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 a prominent American televangelist and key figure within the Independent Charismatic movement. She is known for her apostolic leadership and her advocacy of prosperity theology, a doctrine that teaches financial blessing is a result of faith and obedience to God. White has gained significant influence and notoriety through her television ministry and her role as a religious advisor to political figures.

Sections (4)

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

2006: Senate Investigation

From 2004 to 2006, Without Walls received $150 million and ministry funds were spent to pay for the couple's waterfront mansion and a private jet.

2007: Senate Finance Committee investigation begins

In 2007, the Senate Finance Committee began an investigation into Paula White's ministry, Without Walls International Church, regarding financial improprieties that could have affected the religious organization's tax-exempt status.

2010: Controversy with Benny Hinn

In 2010, Paula White was photographed leaving a motel in Rome holding hands with televangelist Benny Hinn, leading to controversy. Both denied an affair, though Hinn admitted that "a friendship did develop", though "the relationship is over".

2011: Senate Committee Findings

In 2011, Chuck Grassley issued a report outlining his committee's findings regarding Without Walls' finances but took no additional action.

2011: Senate Finance Committee investigation concludes without action

In 2011, the Senate Finance Committee investigation into Paula White's ministry, Without Walls International Church, concluded. Though the report found financial improprieties, no additional action was taken.

October 2012: Tampa Property Under Foreclosure

By October 2012, the Tampa property was under foreclosure proceedings, and Without Walls International claimed that Paula White had stolen audio-visual equipment.

March 4, 2014: Without Walls Filed for Bankruptcy

On March 4, 2014, While Paula White was the senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Without Walls International Church filed for Chapter 11 federal bankruptcy protection.

2015: Black Pastors Called for Apology

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

July 2018: Criticized Immigration Advocates

In a July 2018 interview, Paula White criticized immigration advocates who cited the Gospel's account of Jesus migrating to Egypt.

2019: Embraced Trump's Immigration Policy

In 2019, Paula White embraced Trump's immigration policy and claimed conditions were not inhumane. She said detained youth received "three square meals a day".

January 2020: Controversy over "Satanic pregnancies" sermon

In January 2020, Paula White was criticized for a sermon in which she prayed for the miscarriage of "all Satanic pregnancies." She later clarified it was a metaphor referencing Ephesians 6 and the destruction of evil schemes against Christians.

March 2020: Solicited Donations Citing Psalm 91

In March 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Paula White solicited donations, citing Psalm 91, and stating the money would not go to victims of the disease.

April 9, 2020: Withdrew from Arizona Event

After widespread criticism, Paula White withdrew from an Arizona event scheduled for April 9, 2020, for which she had promised "supernatural protection".

June 2020: Support for Trump's reelection campaign

In June 2020, Paula White supported Donald Trump in his reelection campaign, delivering a prayer at his campaign launch event. She also warned that Christians who do not support President Trump would have to answer to God.

November 4, 2020: Prayer service for Trump's reelection

On November 4, 2020, the day after the election, Paula White held a prayer service as election results showed Trump losing to Joe Biden. She spoke in tongues and called on "angelic reinforcement" from angels from Africa and South America to secure Trump's reelection. The clip went viral and White was ridiculed.

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 as leader of White House Faith Office

On February 6, 2025, Trump, shortly after his re-inauguration, announced the creation of a White House Faith Office, with Paula White as its leader. The appointment has drawn criticism due to her qualifications, past, and teachings.