Major Controversies Surrounding Paula White: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Paula White.

Paula White-Cain is an American televangelist and a key figure in the Independent Charismatic movement. She is known for her advocacy of prosperity theology, a controversial belief that financial blessing and success are God's will for devout Christians. White gained prominence through her television ministry and has served as a religious advisor to prominent political figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. She has faced scrutiny regarding her finances and theological stances, sparking debate and criticism within and outside the Christian community.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2006: Senate Committee Investigation

From 2004 to 2006, Without Walls received $150 million. In 2006, a United States Senate committee made public an audit that revealed tax-exempt ministry funds were used for the couple's personal expenses, which included a waterfront mansion, family salaries, and a private jet.

2007: Senate Finance Committee investigation begins

In 2007, Paula White's ministry Without Walls International Church became subject of a Senate Finance Committee investigation.

2010: Photographed with Benny Hinn

In 2010, Paula White was photographed leaving a motel in Rome holding hands with televangelist Benny Hinn. Both acknowledged a friendship but denied an affair, stating that the relationship is over.

2011: Senate Report Issued

In 2011, Chuck Grassley issued a report outlining the committee's findings regarding Without Walls International Church, but took no further action.

2011: Senate Finance Committee investigation ends

In 2011, the Senate Finance Committee investigation on Without Walls International Church ended inconclusively, after investigating financial improprieties, including the use of ministry funds to pay for a waterfront mansion and a private jet. No additional action was taken.

October 2012: Tampa Property Under Foreclosure Proceedings

By October 2012, the Tampa property of Without Walls International Church was under foreclosure proceedings by the Evangelical Christian Credit Union, after failing to pay loans. A counterclaim alleged that White stole $600,000 in audio-visual equipment.

March 4, 2014: Without Walls Files for Bankruptcy

On March 4, 2014, Without Walls International Church filed for Chapter 11 federal bankruptcy protection, while Paula White was senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center. White claimed she had no involvement.

2015: Black Pastors Call for Trump Apology

In 2015, Black pastors called for then-presidential candidate Trump to apologize for unfair treatment of the African American community.

July 2018: Criticism of Immigration Advocates

In a July 2018 interview, Paula White criticized immigration advocates who cited Jesus migrating to Egypt, stating it was not illegal, resulting in William Barber II calling her a "Christian nationalist."

2019: Embracing Trump's Immigration Policy

In 2019, Paula White embraced Donald Trump's immigration policy, including the detention of immigrant children, claiming conditions were not inhumane.

January 2020: Criticism for praying for miscarriage of "Satanic pregnancies"

In January 2020, Paula White was criticized for a sermon in which she prayed for the miscarriage of "all Satanic pregnancies." She later stated that the comment was a metaphor, referencing Ephesians 6. André Gagné defended her words as being misinterpreted in the context of her spiritual warfare prayer.

March 2020: Solicitation of Donations During COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Paula White solicited donations, citing Psalm 91, and clarified that the funds would not be directed to victims of the disease.

April 9, 2020: Withdrawal from Arizona Event

On April 9, 2020, Paula White withdrew from a fundraiser in Arizona after promising "supernatural protection" at the event, following widespread criticism.

June 2020: Supports Trump Reelection Campaign

In June 2020, Paula White supported Donald Trump in his 2020 reelection campaign, delivering a prayer at his campaign launch event. She warned that Christians who don't support President Trump will have to answer to God.

November 4, 2020: Prayer service for Trump

On November 4, 2020, after election results showed Trump losing to Joe Biden, Paula White led a prayer service streamed via Facebook Live. She spoke in tongues and called on "angelic reinforcement" from "angels" from Africa and South America to secure Trump's reelection, as well as "an abundance of rain".

January 6, 2021: Opening prayer at pro-Trump rally

On January 6, 2021, Paula White offered an opening prayer at the pro-Trump rally that preceded the attack on the U.S. Capitol, before Trump's speech.

February 6, 2025: Appointment to White House Faith Office

On February 6, 2025, shortly after his re-inauguration, Trump announced the creation of a White House Faith Office, with Paula White as its leader. This appointment has drawn criticism from Christian leaders due to her qualifications, past marriages and alleged scandals, and accusations regarding her teachings.