Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob apologized for an Oval Office prayer with Donald Trump, accusing the administration of political manipulation.
The White House on Monday defended President Donald Trump after Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob publicly apologized for participating in an Oval Office prayer with the president, accusing the administration of using the religious gathering for political purposes less than two weeks before the midterm elections.
Grob issued a statement Sunday titled "A Public Apology," alleging that the White House distributed photographs and video of the Thursday prayer without the consent of the 12 participating bishops. He accused the administration of manipulating a sacred moment. The archbishop said he had received messages from Catholics concerned that the prayer appeared to constitute a political endorsement. Grob acknowledged having reservations before attending and apologized for the distress his participation caused.