Paula White-Cain, a senior advisor in Trump’s White House Faith Office, made a much-criticized comment on Wednesday night, comparing the president to a central figure in the Christian faith.
“Jesus taught so many lessons through his death, burial, and resurrection. He showed us great leadership, great transformation requires great sacrifice,” White-Cain said during the meeting of Christian faith leaders sharing prayers for Easter. “And, Mr. President, no one has paid the price like you have paid the price. It almost cost you your life.”
“You were betrayed and arrested and falsely accused,” White-Cain said, quasi-describing a main tenet of Christian doctrine and comparing it to Trump’s own legal troubles. “It’s a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us. Because of His resurrection, you rose up.”
It’s a comparison that had quite a few people of faith scratching their heads — and others firmly pushing back, noting especially the discomfort during one of the most sacred weeks leading up to one of the most important holidays in Christianity: Easter.
“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,” James Martin, a Jesuit priest and founder of Outreach, a LGBTQ Catholic ministry, posted in response to the video. “Comparing a political leader, in a public prayer, to the sinless Son of God during Holy Week? No.”
