Opinion: Wolves at the helm? Why it matters who Trump’s “spiritual advisor” is
Opinion | By Easton Martin | March 10, 2026
Paula White-Cain, the prominent televangelist, author, and spiritual advisor to the president, has come under fire recently regarding some of her teaching and practices. Some in the conservative movement see this as some kind of coup, an attempt to poison the well regarding someone who is close to Trump so that a bad actor can be installed in her place. But what if I told you that the wolf isn’t at the gate, but instead, the helm?
The fact is, White has repeatedly towed the line of Christian orthodoxy, teaching the “little gods” doctrine, the prosperity gospel, and even once affirming that Jesus was not the only begotten Son of God. Though she later denied this to an extent:
Her track record remains a matter of public record, however.
Paula White has frequently been the target of discernment ministries, heretic hunters, and many average Christians who simply hear something “off” in her message. I believe this scrutiny is for good reason. A number of White’s teachings have been harmful to the body of Christ and distort the nature of the gospel. This topic, regarding both White and her specific teachings, has been given significant treatment elsewhere, so I will not dive into every detail here. That being said, I would encourage readers to consult the following resources:
https://youtu.be/kYqIvUlt5pk?si=heWhoXFAruWtcpuK
https://youtu.be/otsORHaw9lg?si=fCS5Jxf3efdNWSGg
https://cfc.sebts.edu/faith-and-economics/inauguration-paula-white-pitfalls-prosperity-gospel
The conservative commentator James Lindsay recently claimed that our “theological sensibilities are being hijacked by an evil political movement to try and oust her so they can try to ram in someone who will betray Trump.”
Paul, speaking to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, says, “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.” There is no greater danger than spiritual danger, the danger of wolves who seek to lead sheep away from the flock.
Regarding a “coup”, I am aware of no evidence for such a thing, so this remains hearsay without any reason to believe.
Paula White is a clear and present danger, not to the President’s political career, but to his eternal destiny. I know people often say that Trump is just an “imperfect man,” but based on his own words, it seems he believes his good works might merit him a place in heaven. This is why his counsel matters.
I am a political conservative. I voted for Trump twice. I am not a “Bush-ite,” and I am most certainly not a David French “conservative.” But if you are arguing that Trump ought to keep a wolf at his right hand, then I would submit it is not me who wants to see Trump fail, but you. James Lindsay says our sensibilities are being hijacked for an “op,” but I think he has it completely backwards. Our political sensibilities are being caught up in a centuries-long battle against evil forces bent on destroying us and all things that are good.
Do the forces of darkness prioritize the destruction of the President? Of course they do. They want him, just like they want you, separated from God’s eternal love and free gift of salvation. We must not see the political battle in our nation as “The Battle.” The wars being waged in our country are simply an outworking of the true conflict. This is a battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this present age.
The fact of the matter is, Lindsay is not a Christian. While he has come out and spoke positively of the Bible, Christianity, and its morality, his opinion here betrays his true lack of understanding regarding the issue at hand. It seems that his motivations are primarily political, not religious.
Whatever Lindsay thinks may happen, it is patently obvious that there are numerous better choices who could serve in this role faithfully while also serving the President’s best interests. People like Franklin Graham and Jack Hibbs are already relatively close to the President and avoid the dangerous theological errors associated with White.
Being a conservative Christian with charismatic tendencies, I realize my opinion on Paula White may not be popular among similar crowds. I know folks in the cessationist camp might find this take more agreeable than anyone else. That being said, many in the charismatic movement are being exposed right now. This is a good thing. I fully believe the gifts of the Spirit are for today, but I also fully believe that damaging false teaching, abuse, cover-ups, and wolves in sheep’s clothing must be dealt with.
