In a recent revelation, it has come to light that Donald Trump’s spiritual advisor, Paula White, played a significant role in shaping the public perception of the former president’s character during his tenure. Despite referring to herself as his spiritual advisor rather than his pastor, White worked diligently to portray Trump as a godly figure, even in the face of his controversial statements and actions.
During the 2016 Republican National Convention, White took the stage to address the attendees. However, the sight of mostly empty seats indicated a lack of interest in the words of Trump’s spiritual advisor, suggesting that many had already made up their minds about the candidate.
Trump’s behavior leading up to the convention had already raised eyebrows. He had referred to a book of the Bible as “Two Corinthians” during a speech at Liberty University, and he had also mocked a journalist’s disability. Furthermore, his campaign began with derogatory remarks about Mexico and Latinos, albeit with a small caveat acknowledging that some might be “good people.”
Despite these actions, Trump managed to maintain the support of evangelical Christians. However, it appears that he was concerned about the limits of their capacity for cognitive dissonance. In an effort to conceal his 2006 affair with Stormy Daniels, Trump paid her hush money just days before the election. While it remains unclear if White advised him to take this course of action, her subsequent service to Trump at the White House suggests that she had made peace with the deceit.
The ongoing trial in New York against Trump is not a result of President Joe Biden or the Democrats. Rather, it stems from Trump’s desire to deceive a crucial bloc of voters, leading to accusations of falsely claiming the hush payment as legal services on business documents and falsifying other related documents.
The recent joint news conference between Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson has raised questions about the latter’s personal faith and professional interests. While the conference may have helped Johnson secure his position, it does not erase the fact that he aligns himself with a thrice-married adulterer who showed disrespect towards former President Jimmy Carter the day after his wife, Rosalynn Carter, entered hospice care.
The image of Johnson standing at the lectern, with Trump looming behind him like a jack-o’-lantern after Halloween, was unsettling. It highlighted the extent to which some white evangelicals are willing to compromise their faith to be in proximity to power.
Christianity emphasizes the concept of grace, and many have experienced its benefits in their lives. However, Trump has shown no remorse for his affair with Daniels or the hush money paid to deceive his Christian supporters. He has been found liable for sexual abuse and has openly boasted about non-consensual actions towards women.
Trump’s ability to be forgiven becomes irrelevant if he has not changed his behavior, ceased his abuses, or shown any indication of regret. Rather than a story of redemption, Trump’s actions provide a clear account of who he truly is and has always been.
During a rally in February, Trump callously questioned the whereabouts of his opponent Nikki Haley’s husband, who was deployed overseas with the South Carolina National Guard. Trump’s deliberate smear of a service member, despite being aware of the circumstances, demonstrates his willingness to score cheap political points at the expense of others.
