Three cardinals within the United States Catholic Church have voiced strong criticism of the Trump administration's foreign policy, asserting that recent actions threaten international relations and could lead to widespread suffering. In a joint statement released on May 9, 2025, Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of San Diego, and Joseph Tobin of Newark cited specific concerns including the U.S. government's pursuit of Greenland, military intervention in Venezuela, and significant reductions in humanitarian aid.

The cardinals argued that these policies undermine human dignity, religious freedom, and the United States' moral standing on the global stage. "Our country's moral role in confronting evil around the world, sustaining the right to life and human dignity, and supporting religious liberty are all under examination," the statement read.

The Vatican has long advocated for multilateralism and diplomatic solutions to international conflicts. The cardinals' statement reflects a growing concern within the Catholic Church regarding the Trump administration's "America First" approach, which is perceived by some as isolationist and detrimental to international cooperation.

The pursuit of Greenland, while framed by the U.S. government as a strategic economic opportunity, has been widely criticized internationally as neo-colonialism. Denmark, which governs Greenland, has repeatedly rejected the notion of selling the autonomous territory. Similarly, the military action in Venezuela, undertaken under the premise of restoring democracy, has drawn condemnation from various Latin American nations and international organizations, who view it as a violation of national sovereignty.

The cuts to humanitarian aid have also raised alarm, particularly among aid organizations working in conflict zones and developing countries. These cuts, the cardinals argued, disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations and exacerbate existing crises.

The statement from the three cardinals adds to a chorus of international voices expressing concern over the direction of U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration. It remains to be seen how the administration will respond to this criticism and whether it will reconsider its approach to these key foreign policy issues. The cardinals' intervention highlights the complex interplay between faith, politics, and international relations in the 21st century.