Paula White: Trump Was 'Betrayed and Falsely Accused' Like Jesus – 'Because of His Resurrection, You Rose Up'

Paula White compares Trump to Jesus in remarks made at a White House Easter lunch on Wednesday, telling the president he had been betrayed, arrested and falsely accused in a pattern familiar from the Gospels.

The event in the East Room on 1 April 2026 was attended by more than 100 faith leaders as part of Holy Week observances centred on religious liberty. White, who heads the White House Faith Office, addressed Trump directly after praising his sacrifice and crediting God and the president himself for his return to office.

Scripture Invoked in Address to President

White told the president that no one had paid a price like his for leadership. She said: 'It almost cost you your life. You were betrayed, and arrested, and falsely accused. It's a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us.'

She added that, just as Christ rose on the third day, Trump had risen to victory. 'And, sir, because of his resurrection, you rose up. Because he was victorious, you were victorious,' she said. White suggested Trump would be victorious in all he undertakes because of that divine precedent.

The comments referenced the president's legal challenges and an assassination attempt he survived last year, events his supporters have long described as persecution. The lunch also featured prayers from other faith leaders including the Rev Franklin Graham and Pastor Jentezen Franklin, with senior officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio present.

Longstanding Ties Between White and Trump

Paula White-Cain has been a trusted adviser to Trump since his 2016 campaign. A Christian pastor, she has prayed over him publicly and in the Oval Office. In the current term she serves as senior adviser to the White House Faith Office, a role that involves coordinating outreach to religious communities across the country and integrating faith leaders into key administration gatherings.

Her involvement has helped shape the administration's emphasis on religious liberty and family values. The Easter lunch was one of several Holy Week activities the White House has hosted this year, underscoring the priority placed on Christian values in public life. Trump has repeatedly emphasised religious liberty as a cornerstone of his agenda, and White's presence reinforces those ties.

Supporters credit her with providing spiritual guidance through turbulent times, including multiple legal cases and the 2024 campaign. Critics have occasionally questioned aspects of her teaching, but her influence within Trump's inner circle remains strong.

Debate over Theological Boundaries

The comparison has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters described the remarks as encouraging pastoral language for a leader who has faced significant opposition. They see Trump's political comeback as aligned with the resurrection theme in her message.

Others criticised the analogy as inappropriate during Easter, arguing it blurs the line between political support and Christian theology. Social media commentary ranged from accusations of blasphemy to defences of free religious expression in politics. Video footage of the address spread quickly online.

One Instagram reel of the remarks has circulated widely since the event.

The episode comes as the White House continues its series of faith-focused events for Holy Week, with further prayer services planned through the coming days.