Prime Minister Kim Meets Trump Through Spiritual Advisor Pastor Paula White

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok of South Korea held a brief yet significant meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on the 13th, lasting approximately 20 minutes. The discussion primarily centered around U.S.-North Korea diplomatic dialogue. Interestingly, this meeting was not scheduled in advance but was arranged through Pastor Paula White, 60, widely recognized as Trump’s “spiritual mentor.”

Pastor White’s relationship with the Trump family dates back to the early 2000s, when she established a personal connection with Donald Trump after he watched her sermon on television. Over the years, she has become a prominent figure within the Trump administration, serving as a senior advisor in the Office of Faith. In this role, White has provided counsel not only on religious matters but also on domestic and international policy issues. Her influence is underscored by her access to a conference room adjacent to the Oval Office, highlighting her proximity to the president.

During a press briefing, Prime Minister Kim detailed the meeting logistics: “Our conversation extended well beyond the nearly one-hour schedule. Pastor White was mindful that President Trump had prior commitments. She checked the timing repeatedly and ensured our meeting took place immediately after his other obligations concluded. Her coordination was critical to making this discussion possible.”

Pastor White first gained national attention during Trump’s first term as the first female clergy member to deliver an inaugural prayer. She is now widely considered Trump’s “spiritual mentor” and continues to influence religious and political circles. Alongside other devout Christians, such as Vice President J.D. Vance, White has played a key role in shaping the administration’s faith-based initiatives.

Born in Mississippi, White faced early hardships, including her father’s suicide when she was five and her mother’s struggles with alcoholism. She married three times and has one son. Her journey in Christianity began in her late teens, leading her to establish a church in Tampa, Florida, with her first husband, Randy White, in 1991. Over the years, the church has grown to host thousands of congregants. Her media presence through televised sermons connected her to Trump, who now relies on her to oversee the Trump family’s Sunday worship and act as a bridge to white evangelical communities—a crucial voter base for his political campaigns.

White’s influence extends into U.S. policy through initiatives like the Faith and Opportunity Initiative during Trump’s first term. In his second term, she headed the expanded Office of Faith, promoting religious freedom and addressing anti-Christian bias. One of her notable cultural achievements includes reviving the traditional “Merry Christmas” greeting, which prior administrations had downplayed due to sensitivity over religious inclusivity.

Pastor White also maintains strong international connections, including in South Korea. She has visited Korea multiple times and has close relations with key religious figures, such as Pastor Lee Young-hoon of Yoido Full Gospel Church. Prime Minister Kim credited the successful meeting with her “assistance from religious circles and his personal request.” Before Kim’s U.S. visit, Pastor Lee attended an event in Washington, D.C., related to the Korea War Veterans Korea-U.S. Memorial Project, for which he serves as chairman.

White reportedly acted as a liaison between the U.S. and Korean religious communities, particularly regarding concerns about Korea’s religious landscape. During the meeting, she inquired about Pastor Son Hyun-bo of Segero Presbyterian Church, who faced legal issues over election law violations, and Han Hak-ja, a Unification Church leader accused of political funding infractions. White asked, “What exactly are Korea’s election laws, and which provisions were violated?” Prime Minister Kim responded, “I am aware of misunderstandings in U.S. political and diplomatic circles regarding religious persecution or discrimination against conservative politicians and religious groups in Korea.” He concluded that the discussion “was ultimately very constructive and helpful.”