U.S. President Donald Trump gestures after delivering an address to the nation about the Iran war at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. April 1, 2026. Alex Brandon/Pool via REUTERS
Political analysts and observers were outraged on Wednesday after a video of President Donald Trump's faith advisor comparing him to Jesus.
Trump hosted an Easter event at the White House with evangelical groups. The event was supposed to be private, but Trump's speech was posted on the White House's YouTube channel until it was made private later in the day. At one point, Trump's faith advisor, Paula White-Cain, compared Trump to Jesus because the two men had been "betrayed and arrested and falsely accused."
"It's a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us," she said.
White-Cain's comments sparked outrage on social media.
"Blasphemous," Rich Raho, a Catholic theologian, posted on X. "It’s stunning to see a US Bishop standing right there on the stage while Paula White compares Trump to Jesus Christ.
"Freaks, liars, charlatans, grifters, criminals - anything but Christians. All of them," political strategist Jeff Timmer posted on X.
"This is blasphemy. This is what it sounds like to take Jesus’ name in vain," Rev. Benjamin Cremer posted on X.
"Asking God, in a public prayer, to help a political leader make wise decisions, care for the poor, seek peace, foster harmony, and try to include all those who feel excluded? Yes. Comparing a political leader, in a public prayer, to the sinless Son of God during Holy Week? No," Jesuit priest James Martin posted on X.
"Literally heresy," political communications expert J.J. Abbott posted on X.
Paula White compares Trump to Jesus during event with faith leaders: "You were betrayed and arrested and falsely accused. It's a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us. Because of His resurrection, you rose up." pic.twitter.com/Ddc8hflU34
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 1, 2026