Outrage: Church Leaders Attack America First

Cardinals in red robes participating in a religious ceremony

Three top U.S. cardinals ambushed President Trump on CBS’s *60 Minutes*, using Pope Leo XIV’s moral authority to attack America’s Iran ceasefire and deportation of illegal immigrants—exposing deep state meddling in national security.

Story Snapshot

On April 12, 2026, Cardinals McElroy, Tobin, and Cupich gave their first joint *60 Minutes* interview, blasting Trump’s Iran policy and mass deportations.
Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, condemned Trump’s rhetoric as “truly unacceptable” amid a U.S.-brokered Iran ceasefire.
Trump fired back on Truth Social, labeling the pope “WEAK on Crime” and claiming credit for his election.
The interview, held in a secret D.C. church, highlights tensions between Church leaders and Trump’s America First agenda.
This clash risks dividing Catholic voters ahead of 2026 midterms, fueling frustrations over elite interference.

Cardinals Launch Coordinated Critique

Cardinals Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C., Joseph Tobin of Newark, and Blase Cupich of Chicago conducted their unprecedented joint interview on the April 12, 2026, *60 Minutes* episode. They praised Pope Leo XIV’s leadership while targeting President Trump’s handling of the Iran war and deportation efforts. McElroy warned of “war after war after war,” calling the Iran regime “abominable” yet opposing U.S. involvement as a “war of choice.” The session occurred in an undisclosed D.C. church for security reasons, underscoring sensitivities around immigration enforcement.

Pope Leo XIV Escalates Rebukes

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Chicago and the first American pope leading 1.4 billion Catholics, sharpened criticisms of U.S. policies. In recent weeks before the April 8 Iran ceasefire, he issued a prayer vigil call for leaders to “Stop!” and pursue dialogue. He deemed Trump’s threat to “destroy Iranian civilization” truly unacceptable. Earlier, Leo critiqued U.S. actions in Venezuela, prompting a tense Vatican ambassador meeting with Pentagon officials described as routine by both sides. This marks a rare direct papal challenge to a U.S. president.

Trump’s Firm Response Defends America First

President Trump responded swiftly on Truth Social after the broadcast, calling Pope Leo “WEAK on Crime, terrible for Foreign Policy.” He claimed influence over the pope’s election, rejecting the criticisms. Trump had announced the U.S.-Iran ceasefire on April 8, following global peace calls including Leo’s. The cardinals echoed Leo’s stance, with Tobin hailing him as “pastor of the world” and Cupich labeling deportation tactics “sickening.” Tobin and Cupich emphasized immigrant rights and focus on the marginalized, clashing with Trump’s enforcement priorities.

January 2026 saw the cardinals’ rare joint statement on U.S. foreign policy morality, aligning with Leo’s diplomat address against “diplomacy based on force.” These developments build on Catholic peace traditions but intensify divides over national security and borders.

Three American Cardinals Use 60 Minutes to Pile On President Trump Over Pope Leo XIV Spat — Desperate Play to Shatter Trump’s Catholic Base Before 2026 Midterms https://t.co/liRLg6m7hr #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit

— emile enrico (@EnricoEmile) April 14, 2026

Implications for Catholics and Midterms

The interview amplifies a Church-Trump divide, potentially mobilizing opposition among U.S. Catholics before 2026 midterms. Cardinal Cupich called deportation videos un-American, while McElroy highlighted endless war trends. This moral framing targets Trump’s Catholic base, a key voting bloc, amid debates on immigration and foreign policy. Both conservatives frustrated by open borders and liberals upset over welfare cuts share distrust of elite interventions like this media-orchestrated rebuke.

Americans across the spectrum increasingly see federal failures and self-serving officials prioritizing power over the people. This Vatican-White House spat departs from founding principles of limited government and sovereign security, reminding citizens that true faith supports strong borders and peace through strength.