Paula White Cain, President Donald Trump's longtime spiritual adviser and head of the White House Faith Office, has called on Christians to honor God by tithing the first 10% of their gross income to her ministry, which directs part of the funds toward humanitarian and reconstruction projects in Israel.

Paula White-Cain
Paula White-Cain

In a YouTube video released Sunday during Holy Week, White Cain framed the appeal as a biblical obligation rather than a voluntary offering. "I believe that it's so important to honor God with his tithe. An offering, that's free will," she said, according to footage reviewed by multiple news outlets.

White Cain, also known as Paula White, highlighted her ministry's work rebuilding a moshav — a small farming community — near the Gaza border devastated by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. She has long positioned support for Israel as a scriptural imperative, citing the Jewish people as "God's chosen people" and urging believers to "stand with Israel" in what she described as a pivotal moment in history.

"This isn't about politics; this is about living in harmony with the WORD of God!" she has said in past messages tied to the Israel-Hamas war.

The video has sparked widespread debate and criticism online and among faith leaders, with some accusing White Cain of blending religious teaching with fundraising that benefits her organization while leveraging geopolitical tensions. Others defend it as consistent with evangelical support for Israel and traditional tithing principles.

White Cain's ministry, Paula White Ministries, promotes the tithe as the "first tenth of your gross income" given to God through the organization. Funds support various causes, including aid for single mothers, victims of human trafficking, prisoners and the hungry — as well as Israeli relief efforts, according to her statements.

Critics, including Baptist News Global, noted that most Christian churches teach tithing as support for a local congregation, not a televangelist's international ministry. Some social media users and commentators labeled the appeal a "grift," pointing to White Cain's history of high-profile fundraising, such as a previous offer of "seven Easter blessings" for a $1,000 gift.

The ministry's most recent IRS filings reported relatively modest income of about $166,810 for 2024, with a significant portion going toward White Cain's compensation, according to reports. White Cain has not publicly responded to the latest wave of criticism as of Thursday.

Supporters view the message as an extension of Christian Zionism, a belief held by many evangelicals that backing Israel fulfills biblical prophecy. White Cain has served as a key faith figure for Trump since his first presidential campaign, praying at his inaugurations and events. She played a role in the administration's faith initiatives and recently was involved in decisions on Trump's Religious Liberty Commission, including the removal of a member who reportedly called Israel's actions in Gaza "genocide."

The timing of the video — amid ongoing regional conflicts, including tensions with Iran, rising U.S. gas prices above $4 a gallon in some areas and shifting American public opinion on Israel — has amplified the backlash. Polls cited in recent coverage show unfavorable views of Israel among Americans rising to 53% from 42% in 2022.

White Cain's appeal distinguishes between the mandatory tithe and free-will offerings. She has tied donor contributions directly to tangible aid, such as rebuilding efforts in communities hit on Oct. 7, when militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 250 hostages. The ensuing war in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, according to health authorities there, and drawn international scrutiny.

Evangelical leaders have long advocated for strong U.S.-Israel ties, with figures like the Rev. John Hagee and organizations such as Christians United for Israel emphasizing Genesis 12:3: "I will bless those who bless you." White Cain echoes this theology but directs giving specifically through her nonprofit rather than Israeli government channels or established charities.

Theology professors and ethicists have weighed in on the broader debate over tithing in modern Christianity. While the Old Testament prescribes a 10% tithe, New Testament teachings often emphasize cheerful, generous giving without a strict percentage mandate. Critics argue that prosperity gospel influences — with which White Cain has been associated — can pressure followers, especially lower-income believers, by linking financial obedience to divine favor or protection from "disobeying God."

One X user summarized the viral sentiment: "Imagine your spiritual adviser telling you to Venmo another country 10% of your paycheck or you're disobeying God." Others clarified that donations go to the ministry, not directly to Israel, but acknowledged the framing links the two closely.

White Cain rose to prominence as a televangelist with a megachurch background in Florida before moving to national influence. She has authored books on faith and prosperity and maintains a large online following. Her close association with Trump includes leading prayers at the Jan. 6, 2021, rally and serving in advisory roles during his presidency and campaign.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on White Cain's video or her dual role as presidential adviser and ministry leader. Trump has consistently voiced strong support for Israel, moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem during his first term and brokering the Abraham Accords normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

As the video circulates, reactions split along familiar lines. Conservative Christian voices praised the call to biblical fidelity and solidarity with Israel amid threats from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Progressive Christians and secular commentators questioned the ethics of a White House faith official soliciting significant personal donations framed around foreign policy and divine mandate.

Country singer Stella Parton previously called out a similar fundraising effort by White Cain as a "grifter scam." Online forums like Reddit's r/Christianity hosted threads debating whether the statement accurately represents Christian doctrine or exploits followers.

Financial experts advise potential donors to review nonprofit filings, evaluate transparency and consider tax implications before committing to large recurring gifts. Tithing 10% of gross income can represent thousands of dollars annually for middle-class households, particularly in an economy facing inflation pressures.

White Cain's message concludes with thanks to "generous and liberal givers" and a blessing for continued divine favor. Her ministry accepts donations via multiple platforms, including online giving portals.

The controversy arrives as Trump navigates his second term, with faith outreach remaining a cornerstone of his political base. White Cain's influence underscores the intersection of religion, politics and philanthropy in American public life.

Whether the appeal boosts her ministry's coffers or further polarizes public discourse remains to be seen. For now, it has reignited debates over the proper role of spiritual advisers in government, the boundaries of religious fundraising and Christian responsibilities toward Israel in a complex global landscape.