WASHINGTON, USA — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, has expressed concern over several executive orders signed by President Donald Trump in the early days of his second term, calling them “deeply troubling” in a statement released by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB.
Among the orders criticised are those addressing immigration, the environment, and the expansion of the federal death penalty.
Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement on climate change and his efforts to reinterpret birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment were singled out as actions with significant implications for vulnerable populations.
“Some provisions contained in the Executive Orders, such as those focused on the treatment of immigrants and refugees, foreign aid, expansion of the death penalty, and the environment, are deeply troubling and will have negative consequences, many of which will harm the most vulnerable among us,” Archbishop Broglio said in the statement published on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Praise for Gender Policy
Despite the criticism, Broglio offered praise for one of Trump’s orders, which directs the federal government to recognise only two sexes, male and female.
He described the policy as a recognition of “the truth about each human person as male or female.”
The archbishop reiterated that the Catholic Church remains politically neutral, stating, “Neither the Catholic Church nor the USCCB is aligned with any political party. No matter who occupies the White House or holds the majority on Capitol Hill, the Church’s teachings remain unchanged.”
Immigration Policy Changes
On Jan. 21, the Trump administration rescinded a policy that had long prevented Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from making arrests at sensitive locations such as houses of worship, schools, and hospitals.
Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, who chairs the USCCB’s migration committee, condemned the move in a separate statement.
“This is one of many drastic actions from the federal government related to immigration that deeply affect our local community and raise urgent moral and human concerns,” Seitz said.
He added that the bishops would closely monitor the administration’s immigration policies and “raise our voice loudly” if they violate basic human rights protections.
Church’s Call for Compassion
Archbishop Broglio invoked the Jubilee Year of Hope declared by Pope Francis, calling on the nation to prioritise care for the most vulnerable, including migrants, the poor, and the elderly.
“Our prayer is one of hope that, as a Nation blessed with many gifts, our actions demonstrate a genuine care for our most vulnerable sisters and brothers, including the unborn, the poor, the elderly and infirm, and migrants and refugees,” he said.
Broglio reminded the faithful of their Christian responsibility to uphold human dignity, saying, “As Christians, our hope is always in Jesus Christ, who guides us through storm and calm weather. He is the source of all truth. The just Judge expects nothing less.”
Executive Orders Under Scrutiny
Trump’s extensive use of executive orders during his first days in office has sparked widespread debate.
While it is common for presidents to issue such orders early in their term to signal priorities, the volume and scope of Trump’s actions have drawn significant attention.
Legal challenges are expected, particularly concerning his effort to reinterpret birthright citizenship, a move that experts argue will face constitutional hurdles.
As these policies unfold, they will likely face continued scrutiny from both the courts and advocacy groups, including faith leaders such as the USCCB.
