Three cardinals within the United States Catholic Church have voiced strong criticism of the Trump administration's foreign policy, asserting that its actions threaten international relations and could lead to widespread suffering. The concerns were articulated in a joint statement released on May 9, 2025, by Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington D.C., and Joseph Tobin of Newark.

The cardinals specifically cited the administration's pursuit of Greenland, military intervention in Venezuela, and reductions in humanitarian aid as policies that undermine human dignity and global peace. "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, delivered during the election of Pope Leo XIV at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

The Catholic Church, a global institution with significant influence, has historically played a role in international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. The Vatican maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries and frequently advocates for peace, justice, and human rights on the world stage. This criticism from prominent American cardinals adds to a growing chorus of international concern regarding the direction of U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration.

The pursuit of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has been met with resistance from both Danish and Greenlandic officials, who view it as an infringement on their sovereignty. The potential acquisition of Greenland has raised questions about resource exploitation, geopolitical strategy in the Arctic, and the rights of the indigenous Inuit population.

Military action in Venezuela, a nation grappling with political and economic instability, has been condemned by some international actors as a violation of international law and an escalation of regional tensions. Critics argue that such intervention undermines the principles of national sovereignty and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Cuts to humanitarian aid, particularly to organizations providing assistance to vulnerable populations in conflict zones and developing countries, have drawn criticism from aid agencies and human rights groups. These cuts are seen as potentially exacerbating existing crises and undermining efforts to alleviate poverty, hunger, and disease.

The cardinals' statement reflects a broader concern within the Catholic Church about the impact of U.S. foreign policy on the world's most vulnerable populations. The Church's social teachings emphasize the importance of solidarity, the common good, and the preferential option for the poor. The cardinals' intervention underscores the Church's commitment to advocating for these principles in the international arena. The Trump administration has yet to respond to the cardinals' statement. The implications of this criticism for the relationship between the U.S. government and the Catholic Church remain to be seen.