The spiritual advisor to U. S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy after comparing the president's journey to that of Jesus Christ during an Easter luncheon held at the White House.
The televangelist Paula White-Cain, who has served as Trump's spiritual counselor throughout his two presidencies, drew parallels between the challenges faced by the president—including legal battles and threats to his life—and the trials that, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ endured. "Jesus taught us many lessons through his death, burial, and resurrection. He showed us great leadership; a great transformation requires a great sacrifice," she stated.
Addressing the president directly, who was standing behind her during the speech, she added: "And Mr. President, no one has paid a price like you. It almost cost you your life.
" White-Cain continued the comparison by asserting that the president has been a victim of betrayals and unjust accusations. "You were betrayed, arrested, and falsely accused. It is a pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us," she said.
She then added, "But the story didn't end there for him, nor will it for you. " In this vein, White-Cain evoked the bibl…
And thanks to his resurrection, we all know that we too can rise. And sir, thanks to your resurrection, you have risen," she asserted. "Because he was victorious, you will be too.
And I believe the Lord told me to tell you this: because of your victory, you will also be victorious in all that you undertake," she concluded to applause. After her remarks, Trump briefly responded from the stage. "Thank you," the president said.
The statements provoked an immediate reaction on social media, where several users questioned the comparison between the president and the figure of Jesus Christ. One critic was Catholic theologian Rich Raho, who wrote on social media platform X: "Blasphemous. It is astonishing to see an American bishop standing right there on stage while Paula White compares Trump to Jesus Christ.