Oakland Bishop Barber's meeting with Trump draws local Catholic concerns

Twelve U.S. Catholic bishops, including Oakland Bishop Barber, met with President Trump in the Oval Office, an event described by Bishop Barber as “helpful and constructive,” according to the East Bay Times.

Some local Catholics who attended a protest outside Bishop Barber’s office voiced concerns that the bishops’ meeting appeared to endorse the Trump administration just days before the 2026 election, as reported by the East Bay Times.

Two bishops have apologized for their participation in the meeting, but critics say the collective presence of the bishops has undermined Catholic leadership, especially regarding advocacy for the poor and migrants.

The letter writers emphasized their expectation that bishops should represent the interests of vulnerable populations rather than political parties, citing a lack of visible leadership from their bishop compared to historical figures like Pope Leo.