A popular (and controversial) televangelist who has spiritually stewarded President Trump for nearly two decades is moving into the White House as a full-time staffer.
In spite of her own controversial past, or possibly because of it, Paula White will now serve as public liaison for the Faith and Opportunity Initiative, which President Trump established in 2018 via executive order. The initiative helps faith-based organizations compete for funds meant to strengthen the institutions of civil society, the American family, and local communities.
White is a proponent of prosperity gospel, a controversial (to say the least) belief that God rewards tithing with financial blessings and favors the wealthy. In essence, give your money to wealthy preachers, and God will reward you with money in return.
Here's a little taste of what she's like with a microphone in hand:
P(r)ay for Salvation
President Trump has long been a fan of Paula White. After seeing her on television in 2002, Trump called her and invited her to Atlantic City and New York for private Bible studies. The two have been friends since, and White is perhaps closer to Trump than any other religious leader. White says that even before his presidential candidacy, Trump would lean on her for spiritual advice and assistance. And during his presidency, she has been one of his most vocal evangelical defenders in the public arena.
The way White tells it, the leap from being the president's longtime spiritual adviser to praying at his 2017 inauguration, to this latest gig, is nothing short of miraculous, and yet something God himself has been working toward her entire life.
She claims God moved her to support President Trump's campaign: "God said, 'I have called you to shake nations.' And I'm standing there the most powerful nation in the world invoking the name of Jesus."
A Meteoric Rise - At a Cost
White's support of Trump comes with a price, however. Her son's church, Florida's New Destiny Christian Center, lost hundreds of its predominantly black congregation and thousands in weekly donations. White's son told the Washington Post that 'her relationship with the black community got really frayed because of President Trump she got messages from black leaders saying, 'You betrayed us.'"
And White's own pastoral history has been the subject of much scrutiny.
Back in 2011, Republican Sen. Charles Grassley released a report following a three-year investigation that investigated six popular American televangelists - including White. Grassley's investigation highlighted dubious personal use of church-owned airplanes, luxury homes, and credit cards, as well as the lack of financial oversight by boards filled by friends and relatives - but no hard evidence of illegal activity. Notably, White and her then-husband Randy refused to cooperate with the investigation and the Senate Finance Committee did not have the time nor the resources to enforce subpoenas for the financial statements they requested.
In a recent interview, White blamed the 'powers of darkness' for launching an inquiry meant to stem the righteousness of powerful televangelists.
"They looked at the ones who moved the needle the most and had the most influence. Because they said we can't go after one, we got to go after it and then they were like, you aren't cooperating. We all cooperated. Jay Sekulow was my attorney then they don't talk about the millions of dollars you have to spend to defend yourself, never get back. The PR nightmare, all that's going on. Then the recommendation is this, make yourself accountable to the Billy Graham Association. I knew we were clean as a whistle."
Does God Play Politics?
White's signature rants, which recently included threats that American Christians who vote against Trump in 2020 will have God to answer to, also earned her the vehement opposition of the Orlando Sentinel's editorial board.
"We're particularly appalled though not surprised by Paula White. Not because she's a conservative but because of her naked use of religion as a weapon. She's trying to frighten believers with apocalyptic consequences if they don't get in line behind this president. Unfortunately, the national attention on these self-promoting evangelical opportunists risks overshadowing the selfless work of Christian churches and missions that help people who are hungry, poor, sick and homeless."
The point is well made - to say nothing of religion's growing role in political discourse. Indeed, religion and politics have grown increasingly intertwined of late, and Paula White seems to be at the front and center of that movement. And while presidents have always hosted faith leaders at the White House, very rarely do they end up on the payroll.
So as Paula White heads to the White House, we're left wondering: Should faith leaders really be endorsing political candidates and suggesting that God backs their candidate of choice? Where is the line between mixing faith and politics?
50 comments
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Joe
Jesus loved everyone. Good or bad. I don't think he has preference of who wins but will teach righteousness to candidates.
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Joann Serger
Since Nov 0f 2016 I have been paying for Trumps Impeachment. And God gave an yes on that pray.
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Thom
You have been "praying" for an impeachment? Well, I am not sure if your prayers are working. I would say the devil is involved in this process by using lies and deceit. If a man does something bad he should be punished. If a man does something which he thinks is good and has the reasons for his/her actions then I see nothing wrong. But when man lies and uses actions which do no good then, they are doing evil. Trump has done nothing wrong in this situation. He has made sure the money from tax payers was used for the right reason and not used to line the pockets of bad people, such as the former president. It is best of the layman to stay out of the international politics and let the professionals handle it. I can't wait for this whole circus to end and for the elected officials to go back to fixing this country rather than doing the will of the devil, Russians, and breaking this country apart.
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Thom
Too bad you are trying to support lies and deceit instead of the truth. Keep praying or be like the people who want Trump out and "paying" for his removal. The truth is out there just and it is not being shown during this hearing.
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Lionheart
You do realize Joann that the Dog & Pony show that is being chaired by Schiff will never get through the Senate....right? I think your mythical god knows that too being as he's supposed to be omniscient. This whole show is going to be the best thing there could be to re-elect Donald Trump.
Just think....5 more years left of Donald Trump. Does't that make you feel real good inside?
With a bit of luck we might even be able to have a 5th Republican President carved into Mount Rushmore, Donald Trump.
?♥️
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John D. Partin
Oh yeah, CHL, this earlier post of yours really sounds like "you weren't brainwashed and hypnotized by Trumpelstiltskin", as you are claiming that you aren't today and weren't when you wrote this nonsense!! "Trumpelstiltskin as the 5th Republican carved into Mount Rushmore"!! "5 more years of the Donald"!! His impeachment trial's being "the best thing there could be to re-elect him"!! No self-delusion there, right, to a severely self-deluded person!! Why did you talk about Christians' "delusions" then or talk about them still today, considering your own brainwashing then and still today?!!
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defiantchild2015
Ummm How shall I put this! God is in charge! Not Paula Cain or any other Preacher! Only He is!
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Clarke Alexander
Trump and White are proof that you can't fix stupid
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Rev Michael Schmidt
I agree as Jesus Christ who said render unto caeser that which is caeser, no where in God's Word does it say he's for Democrats or Republicans. This country or that country or nation with the exception of Isreal. I do take exception to the tv evangelist like Paula White whose net worth is over $ 5 million dollars, another, who's house is 17,000 sq. ft. and bought a jet for his wife for her birthday; it goes on and on; these false prophets forgot that the ” love of money is the root of evil.” especially when the majority of their congregation is making ends meet.
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Curtis Presson
My view may be a little unusual. I have a personal relationship with God, as do others (and my definition of "God" may not fit with many organized religions - it's a blend of many). I do not thing God is directing any of the political situations anywhere. Almost every leader, almost every country, good or bad by anyone's definition, thinks God is watching over them and they are fulfilling God's wishes - Whom or whatever their "God" is. God could not have been for the Nazi's and the French, and the British, and the Americans, and...
I, personally, do not believe it. Minsters/preachers/evangelists/etc. who "speak" for God and say "The (enter elected position) is chosen by God" is, again in my opinion, not to be trusted. They do not speak the word of God - in my opinion. "Render unto Caesar." I'm sure someone said "Caesar has been chosen by God" I don't think so. I don't think God chose Caesar, Hitler, Kennedy, Stalin, Obama, Churchill... OR Trump. Save your money.
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PCurry
God is NOT ENDORSING 45, fores not support 45
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John Maher
RIGHT UP the OLD tRUMPs ALLEY, YEAH RIGHT GOD !!!
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Daniel
Hmmm. M.A.G.A. is said to really mean, " make America WHITE again", how convenient for trump that this change less money changer is named, "white". Oh, and her so called speaking in tongues explains how trump fumbles on so many simple words; he's just being inspired to do the same. Truly a sham and a self-serving farce. But I think God is laughing at the absurdity of it all. Hopefully more see it as the joke that it is
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Thom
Daniel, you have some anger issues. America is being made great again and no person is being left behind who does not want to be. You want to have the system have take and give, take from the rich and give to the poor well, that does not work. Keep spouting the whole race issue card and see how well things go for you. I am white and am still waiting on that privilege to reach me. I work and I do what is right and yet, I have not received anything which I have not earned.
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Daniel
Anger issues? No. Merely observations. I also happen to look like the average middle-aged "white" man. Yet, I can not overlook the increasing economic disparity that tends to mostly affect people with darker skin. You say "America is being made great again". How far back are you looking for that "greatness"? The constitution's contradiction of saying "all men are created equal" while lessening the status of some men by having them only be counted as 2/3 for the census? America's history has MANY examples of disenfranchising some for the benefit of the traditionally white leaders and their cronies. The simple facts are that people with darker skin CONTINUE to have LESS opportunities than people with lighter skin. Yes, there are some who overcome huge obstacles and do amazingly well. Like Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell. But that doesn't change the fact that white people are less likely to be shot by an officer during a routine traffic stop. Of course there are also many struggling white people who aren't automatically handed whatever they want. But that doesn't change other areas where "white privilege" still comes into play. Instead of acting as a unifying force, Trump has caused ever increasing polarities and division while lacking the emotional maturity to act diplomatically; instead resorting to school-yard bullying tactics with Twitter rants against anyone who displeases him. That "example" alone DETRACTS from America's greatness by encouraging others to act like spoiled rich bullies, if they think they can get away with it. I actually feel sorry for Trump because his immature behavior shows how much he is really just a frightened old man who is so insecure in his self-worth that he over compensates with such childish displays. Not the signs of a great leader, and not an indication that he truly has the ability to make America "great". He has a great PR campaign but I would hope the American people would elect a TRUE diplomat and public servant- and I dont care if the next president is Democratic, Republican, or whatever as long as they behave as a MATURE and diplomatic leader of ALL the people.
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cbcuff
America like most developed countries allow their 'leader' a second chance after their first term, even if only a passable term. The collusion between Trump and the christian zealots as this article identifies, and in the hands of one of the most unscrupulous televangelists in the US, clearly indicates that this leader is neither fit nor deserving of a second term. He has vandalized the rights of free thinking Americans. And other countries too I might add.
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Rev Michael Schmidt
Anyone who tells their listeners to donate their month's paycheck to trumps campaign and also tells her congregation to send her $239 and she will have God triple bless them is a false prophet. She will be judged; she prays on the poor God has already blessed us above all that we ask or think. Christ is our advocate, not some phony tv evangelist.
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KING
is this really a question? Obviously Trump is not Christian. He is the farthest thing from being a Christian we have ever had in the White House. Since the US was created specifically for people NOT to be governed by religion why is this even being discussed? Trump is a Russian operative. This is a known fact.
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Thom
I think you may want to mention Obama in your comments.
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Threedogs
And a Bigot too!
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marshall
Thom, it sounds like YOU want to mention Obama in your comments, often.
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Oh Mo
Any god that supports 45 does not have my support. Period. End of discussion.
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Layne Harris
45 represents everything God says is wrong......personally I think he's the antichrist
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Maximillian Martin
No, he couldn't be that. trump isn't smart or classy enough to qualify for that position
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Ted
From simple anecdotal observation, the majority of people want politics and religion to remain separate. Combining them make as much sense as saying one Christian denomination is more worthy (or worse, the only one) to receive salvation. While it's perfectly OK for a political leader to mention or even speak highly of his/her particular faith, I think most of us can agree that using faith as a weapon to mentally coerce people into voting for a particular candidate is reprehensible (at best). Paula White fits the Trump organization perfectly, since Trump himself is and has been nothing but a wealthy charlatan. Trump is not Christian; he's not even really a Republican. He is the party of (T) and he worships at his own fabricated gold altar. The day Evangelicals wake up to these realities will be the day that the country can finally start moving forward to a healthier relationship with one another and with God.
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The Doctor
When the next Time of Terror takes hold, Ive little doubt it will be global, and prosperity gospel spewers will be the first to go on the chopping block.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
It would be so much easier to simply light a green candle, burn some incense, and hope for the best.
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The Doctor
Better to sit atop the mast and scream into the howling wind and see the wave that will take your ship coming, then to cower below deck and be tossed around like a rag doll when the ship gets rolled and pulled under.
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Darryl Mizer
I agree with your sentiment except that she is poisoning "her" world-wide congregation with false teachings and accruing a massive fortune on the backs of "her" believers. She, as many, are the antithesis of Jesus' teachings.
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Kathryn
After reading about this religious perversion and its scam artist, Paula White, I reached for the Pepto Bismol.
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Rev. Brien
Pass the bottle around, I need a hit too, lol ??
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Thom
At least this president has a preacher who supports America and not knocking US down. I am not worried about the faith advisor, I am worrying about out nation and economy. The clerical stuff is out jobs.
I can tell you now, I will not be voting for any godless socialist progressive Democrat.
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Secretary3rd
Tithing as told to me by a brother of a Pastor from a megachurch is only mention in the Torah for those to support the Temple. Those pastors who use it today are lining their pockets. Paula White might be in the White House not so much as true believer in God as she is in fear from the IRS looking into wealth.
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Darryl Mizer
Good one!!
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guidvce4
When I was a teenager I experienced the Sunday sermons as a demand for more tithing to the church my family attended. As I grew older I saw that the demand for more money from this faith continued to grow. Didn't take me long after leaving home and hearth to figure out that most organized religions are nothing more than businesses. With the same goal as any other business. Grow the business by seperating the flock from their hard-earned cash. Haven't spent much time around organized religions in quite a few years. Don't plan to in the future. Just sayin'.
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Layne Harris
You took the words right out of my mouth. Thank you
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Lionheart
"Preachers should encourage their congregations to adopt Christ’s principles everyday."
Nah... I'll pass on that one. He's too egotistical for me. That's if he was ever real!
Luke 12:47 "And the servant, which knew his Lords will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes"
Luke 19:27 "But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me."
I think my principals in that area are better than his. So....if you want to worship me, you can do, with no retribution if you decide otherwise. And, I'm still very much alive. And I promise I will not ask you to go and eat a wafer or drink some wine to remember me every week. You can save that food and wine to give to the poor.
Lord Lionheart ?♥️
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Darryl Mizer
AMEN
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guidvce4
Ditto.
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Darryl Mizer
Paula White is a fraudulent. Her mission is to take money and mock the church's mission to love Christ. I live on the West Coast of Florida. Several years ago her church came under fire for improper operation. In the beginning the couple (husband) had problems. She is the face of the church.
Christ's instructions were from Matthew 25:34-40. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me."
Taking is NOT giving.
Preachers should encourage their congregations to adopt Christ's principles everyday.
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Darryl Mizer
And yet the president has been following her for years. 'nuf said.'
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Carrie
Yet another self absorbed windbag, propping up a disgusting P.O.S. for a wonderbread agenda. She is lining her pockets by advising one of the most stupid people in the world that he is "protected" by her god, no matter what illegal, illogical sh*tshow he wants, while advanceing more neonazi crap....toward the dissolution of our country. Yes, that's how I really feel!
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guidvce4
Seek help for your TDS. Its seriously affecting your outlook, apparently. Once you are able to look at the world without the TDS affecting you, might want to see what is really going on and how the Trump election might have saved this nation from becoming Cuba or Venezuela. Maybe. Just sayin'.
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Vicky
I find it interesting that people throw around Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) as an insult towards those who are critical of Trump. It's actually a very apropos name for Trump supporters. They are truly deranged to the point of not being able to accurately comprehend the corruption that is Trump.
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Lionheart
Errrrr, so do you think Pelosi (when she's sober) and deer-in-the-headlights Schiff, look normal to you? How about the demonic looks of Schumer? If any look deranged it's those three.
Just askin'
?♥️
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Dr. David
That’s your response, how someone looks? That is exactly what a child does, Trump, to respond to others that they don’t like.
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John Maher
SIMPLE to ANSWER Dr. David, ANYONE that VOTED for PUTO POTUS tRUMP and CONTINUES to SUPPORT the TRAITOR, is in the SAME IQ LEVEL 0%
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Carrie
Thank you. They call me names like that and snowflake, which I find very funny as, they are always the ones who meltdown. I am not a Christian, not do I wish to be. That said, I don't think any faithless "preacher" belongs in any government post! Each of us should look to our own faith for life's answers, whether it is science or anything else. I am not a pusher, or preacher, if you will, I am a minister. There to help if asked. Goddess blessings ❣️
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Sam
What a dumb piece of human garbage... No wonder you’re a Trumper...
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Roman's 13: 1-7. Read and follow God's word and quit being so negative about the conditions we have found ourselves in.