White House Spiritual Adviser Faces Backlash Over Call to Donate to Israel

White House spiritual adviser Paula White-Cain is at the center of a controversy after posting a video on social media urging her followers to donate to various causes supported by her ministry. The controversy intensified when she encouraged support for Israel. In the video, White-Cain stated that Christians should donate the first tenth of their gross income to Israel to honor God and his tithe. This call has generated mixed reactions online. The situation arises in a context of military conflict between Israel and the United States against Iran, which has raised concerns about a possible regional escalation. Several West Asian countries have reported new attacks on US military bases and energy infrastructure.

Polls suggest that many Americans oppose the conflict, while global energy markets remain volatile due to uncertainty over supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

White-Cain urged her followers to donate the first tenth of their income to her organization, which supports initiatives aimed at feeding and clothing vulnerable populations worldwide. These efforts include aid to Israel following attacks such as the large-scale October 7, 2023, assault. She argued that Christians should support Israel, describing Jews as God's chosen people. A tweet circulating on social media criticized White-Cain's fundraising practices: "Meet Paula White, Trump appointed Senior Advisor to the White House Faith Office she made millions selling 'anointed' amulets. Zionist 1st with a bizarre mix of dispensationalist that preaches the prosperity gospel (all are heresy) and extorts money from her listeners".

The advisor has also been politically benefited following Donald Trump's reelection, being appointed head of the newly formed White House Faith Office after his victory.

While the United States has historically been a close ally of Israel, public sentiment appears to be shifting. An Economist/YouGov survey, released August 5, 2025, and reported by Newsweek, found that unfavorable views of Israel rose from 42% to 53%. Approximately 45% of respondents said they believed Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. White-Cain, a longtime supporter of Israel, has faced criticism for promoting prosperity gospel teachings, which emphasize financial contributions in exchange for divine favor, although she has denied those claims.

The current geopolitical situation, marked by conflict and instability, adds an additional layer of complexity to White-Cain's statements and actions, generating an intense debate about the ethics and political implications of her calls for donations.