Liberal US Cardinals Attack Trump Policies

On January 19, 2026, three prominent U.S. Catholic cardinals—Blase Cupich (Archbishop of Chicago), Robert McElroy (Archbishop of Washington), and Joseph Tobin (Archbishop of Newark)—issued a rare joint statement sharply criticizing aspects of U.S. foreign policy under the current administration. While the statement primarily focused on militaristic approaches, including recent actions in Venezuela, threats regarding Greenland, and cuts to foreign aid, it ties into broader concerns about human dignity that these cardinals have consistently linked to immigration policy.

The cardinals called for a "genuinely moral foreign policy" that treats military action only as a last resort and prioritizes human life, dignity, and peace. They warned that America's "moral role in confronting evil around the world" is under serious examination amid what they describe as a profound debate not seen since the Cold War. This comes shortly after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) condemned mass deportations and dehumanizing rhetoric toward immigrants in November 2025.

These three cardinals are widely recognized as figures in the more liberal/progressive wing of the U.S. Catholic Church. They have been vocal allies of papal priorities under both Pope Francis and the current Pope Leo XIV (the first U.S.-born pope), particularly on issues like migrant rights, social justice, and humane treatment of immigrants. Cardinal McElroy, for instance, has previously described indiscriminate mass deportations as "incompatible with Catholic doctrine" and morally repugnant, emphasizing the dignity of every person regardless of legal status.

Their latest statement echoes ongoing Church criticism of strict immigration enforcement measures, including mass deportations, which Pope Leo XIV has indirectly challenged by questioning "inhuman" treatment of migrants in the context of pro-life consistency. The cardinals' intervention highlights tensions between current U.S. policies and Catholic social teaching, which insists that nations have a right to secure borders but must uphold the fundamental dignity of all people, including immigrants and refugees.

This rare collaborative critique from three of the highest-ranking U.S. cardinals underscores the Church's commitment to advocating for compassionate policies amid heated national debates.

Many Catholics question why they have not spoken out like this against abortion and so-called Same sex marriage.  

Sources and Links:

- Joint Statement by Cardinals Cupich, McElroy, and Tobin: [Archdiocese of Washington](https://adw.org/news/joint-statement-morality-u-s-foreign-policy-english/)

- Reuters coverage: [Top US Catholic cardinals question morality of American foreign policy](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/top-us-catholic-cardinals-question-morality-american-foreign-policy-2026-01-19)

- The Associated Press via various outlets (e.g., KSAT, KCRA): [US Catholic cardinals urge Trump administration to embrace a moral compass in foreign policy](https://www.ksat.com/news/national/2026/01/19/us-catholic-cardinals-urge-trump-administration-to-embrace-a-moral-compass-in-foreign-policy/)

- The Hill: [America's top Catholic clerics denounce militaristic US foreign policy](https://thehill.com/homenews/5695684-catholic-cardinals-us-foreign-policy)

- USCCB Special Message on Immigration (November 2025 context): [US Bishops Issue a “Special Message” on Immigration](https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/us-bishops-issue-special-message-immigration-plenary-assembly-baltimore)

- Additional background on cardinals' views: Reports from Catholic News Agency and National Catholic Register on prior statements regarding mass deportations and immigration.