President Donald Trump has sparked controversy within the US Christian community by appointing televangelist Paula White to lead a newly established White House Faith Office.
While the administration praised Pastor White-Cain as a champion for religious freedom and humanitarian rights, many of the president’s Christian supporters, including conservative evangelicals, have strongly criticised the appointment.
The Washington Examiner reports: “Scores of pastors, priests, and Christians of all denominations reacted harshly to Trump’s pick on X after it was announced.”
High profile Christian leaders have been muted in publicly endorsing her appointment.
Paula White has been the president’s spiritual advisor since 2002 when he reached out to her after watching one of her sermons on television.
He faced similar criticism when he picked the megachurch pastor from Florida to be involved in his 2016 campaign and first administration.
She served as an advisor in the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative and chaired the Evangelical Advisory Board.
But she has also long been associated with the Prosperity Gospel, a theological belief that links financial contributions to spiritual rewards.
Critics argue that her teachings exploit vulnerable believers by promising material blessings in exchange for donations, often suggesting specific sums over a thousand dollars.
Paula White’s detractors claim her theology is at odds with Biblical Christianity.
Texas-based entrepreneur and leadership coach Scott Ross who calls himself an Orthodox Christian described her latest appointment as “an abomination.”
“She preaches the heresies of Word of Faith & Prosperity Gospel, both utterly opposed to authentic Christianity,” he posted.
He said the President’s choice was the “worst and most dangerous thing” he could have done.
‘Lord, have mercy on our country and this administration,” Scott Ross implored.
He added the twice-divorced televangelist “has lived a life of scandal, with multiple husbands, twisting the Gospel for profit.”
Paula White is married to rockstar and former Journey lead singer Jonathan Cain.
Conservative YouTuber Jon Root echoed concerns her selection is “the worst decision President Trump has made since taking office.”
Christian blogger Chris Hohnholz posted: “Not every choice he [Trump] makes will be a home run, we understand that. But this? This is a train wreck.”
“Not only is Paula White not Biblically qualified to be a pastor, she is a false teacher leading people to Hell. Do not do this, sir.”
John Mason, host of the Living God’s Truth podcast, stated: “Even though President Trump is enforcing laws that line up with our values, that doesn’t mean he has any clue what Biblical Christianity is, or why it matters.”
In 2017, Paula White attempted to distance herself from the Prosperity Gospel, stating that she rejects any theology that does not affirm the role of suffering in faith.
However, critics pointed to past statements and fundraising tactics that seemed to contradict this.
One Trump fan wrote: “True evangelicals who have Trump’s ear (like Franklin Graham) need to get him off the ‘Pastor’ Paula White train.”
So far, high profile evangelical leaders who support the president, have stayed tight-lipped on her appointment.
Despite the backlash, The White House is defending the president’s choice, praising her as someone “fighting for religious freedom and humanitarian rights, and advocating for the voiceless.”
The White House Faith Office will work alongside Attorney General Pam Bondi who will lead a task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias within the Trump public service.
Photo: Facebook — Paula White-Cain
