Trump’s Faith Leader Tells Women to ‘Submit’ to Men — Sparks Outrage

Paula White, Donald Trump’s controversial spiritual adviser, is under fire once again—this time for declaring that women should “submit” to their husbands in what critics are calling an outdated and dangerous rant rooted in authoritarian ideology, not faith.

During a recent appearance on Real America’s Voice, White proudly stated, “The head of my household is my husband, Jonathan Cain. Period.” The televangelist went further, suggesting that if a couple disagrees, the man should make the final call. “It’s not hard to submit,” she added casually, as if gender inequality were a virtue.

White’s remarks come just months after Trump appointed her to lead his newly revived White House Faith Office—part of his effort to “bring religion back” to government. Critics say it’s less about faith and more about consolidating power under patriarchal norms.

“This is 2025, not the 1800s,” said Rev. Annie Foster, a progressive pastor based in Chicago. “Women in faith communities are fighting for equality and compassion—not blind obedience. What Paula White is promoting is theological authoritarianism dressed up as spirituality.”

White, a longtime Trump ally who has twice divorced and preaches the controversial “prosperity gospel,” was already a divisive figure in evangelical circles. Many Trump-supporting Christians have previously labeled her a “heretic” for promising that faith leads to wealth—a theology many mainstream denominations reject.

“She’s pushing a prosperity narrative one day and telling women to bow down to men the next,” said Elise Jordan, a former White House adviser under Obama. “It’s not Christianity. It’s a political playbook cloaked in scripture.”

White also claimed during her interview that Trump’s policies had reignited a spiritual revival, particularly among men. “God is moving mightily,” she said. “Men are the fastest returning to church.”

But the numbers paint a different picture.

A 2023 study by the Survey Center on American Life at the American Enterprise Institute found that church membership is declining across all demographics—and young women are leading the exodus. Many cite rising Christian nationalism and misogynistic rhetoric like White’s as reasons for walking away.

“This isn’t about faith—it’s about control,” said Natalie Vega, a Gen Z activist with Faith Forward. “Young women are not going to tolerate sermons telling them to sit down and shut up. That’s not the future of religion.”

As Trump’s 2024 campaign continues to blend politics with pulpit rhetoric, critics warn that elevating voices like Paula White’s could further alienate women voters and progressive Christians alike.

“If Trump’s vision for America includes women taking orders in the name of God,” Vega added, “he’s going to have a problem at the ballot box.”

And with more Americans—especially women and younger voters—demanding accountability and equality in all spheres of life, including religion, it’s clear that sermons like White’s may resonate with Trump’s base, but they’re alienating the country he claims to speak for.