Catholic leaders who met with Trump clarify meeting clip wasn't an endorsement

What This is

• Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob and Des Moines Bishop William Joensen said they regretted a White House meeting after images of them praying with President Donald Trump were made public.
• The bishops said the photos and video were posted without their permission and risked making the prayer look like a partisan endorsement shortly before the midterm elections.
• They said they were told the session would be private and would include policy discussion, not a public event.
• Reported topics for the discussion included immigration, religious worker visas, abortion, and federal tax credits for private education.
• The bishops apologized for any confusion or harm and said praying with Trump should not be taken as support for him or his policies.
• A White House spokeswoman defended Trump and praised his record with Catholic Americans.

Why This Matters

• The dispute shows how images of faith leaders can be used as campaign-style messaging even when a meeting is meant to be apolitical and private.
• It could change how bishops and other religious leaders handle future meetings with presidents and candidates.
• It may affect how religious voters interpret what church leaders signal in public during an election season.