What Trump truly aspires to be

March 16, 2026 in Letters, Opinion by Editor

By Christian Stöcker

Members of the White House Faith Office during a prayer in the Oval Office. At the centre: Donald Trump. In red at his side: his spiritual advisor, Paula White-Cain.

Donald Trump is often labelled a fascist, and for good reason. However, the religious justifications for the war in Iran, his delusions of grandeur, and his fixations suggest that his true role models are far more ancient.

Consider this quote: “In the name of Jesus, we command that all satanic pregnancies miscarry.”

These words were spoken by Paula White-Cain, the “spiritual advisor” to the current US President. She also heads Donald Trump’s White House Faith Office. White is one of numerous evangelical entrepreneurs who, under the guise of religiosity, not only spread absolute insanity but also amass great wealth through their own churches and television shows. –

Donald Trump discovered his current faith advisor on television: he watched her show and hired her. White’s predecessor is currently imprisoned for the sexual abuse of a twelve-year-old. White positioned herself early on, declaring publicly in 2017 that Trump had been “raised up by God,” adding: “It is God who raises up a king.”

At the Heart of the Priestly Circle

White also appears in a clip that circulated through social media last week. In it, Trump sits at his desk in the Oval Office, surrounded by 18 men and two women—all “pastors.” Most are touching one another; hands raised in blessing.

Trump is the centre of this priestly cluster. Seemingly entranced by his own anointed status, he sits with closed eyes and folded hands. Blessing hands rest on his shoulders and back, including, of course, those of Paula White. As the only person in a room full of dark suits wearing a red blazer, she is impossible to miss.

The Concept of Divine Right

The “Divine Right of Kings” is a historical concept often associated with the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly the era of Absolutism. It suggested that a ruler’s authority was derived directly from a higher power rather than from the will of the people or earthly institutions. Louis XIV of France, known as the “Sun King,” was a primary proponent of this ideology, which placed the monarch above the jurisdiction of ordinary courts.

Observers of modern American politics have noted certain parallels in contemporary rhetoric. The idea that a leader is beyond the reach of “earthly jurisdiction” or that executive power should be absolute mirrors these historical precedents.

Mercantilism and Modern Trade

Parallels also extend to economic policy. Under Louis XIV, France practiced mercantilism, a system designed to increase national wealth by maximizing exports and minimizing imports through high tariffs. The current emphasis on protectionist trade policies and significant import duties reflects a similar approach to national economic management.

The Evolution of the “Court”

In absolute monarchies, the ruler was surrounded by a loyal court of nobility who provided both financial support and public flattery. In a modern democratic context, some argue that a new form of “neo-feudalism” is emerging, where high-net-worth individuals and influential supporters fill a similar role, funding political movements and reinforcing the leader’s standing.

Historical Context and the Constitution

The authors of the United States Constitution were deeply familiar with the excesses of absolute power in Europe. A central goal of the American experiment was to create a system of checks and balances to ensure that such uncontrolled rule would be impossible. The success of this framework remains a subject of intense scrutiny during pivotal election cycles.

This article has been adapted from Der Spiegel