Trump Ally and Beloved Televangelist Dead at 82

Legendary televangelist and former Donald Trump spiritual advisor James Robison has died at the age of 82, marking the end of an era for millions of conservative Christians who followed his ministry for decades.

LIFE Outreach International confirmed the news in an emotional statement announcing the passing of the fiery preacher and LIFE Today host, who became one of the most influential voices in evangelical America.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Rev. James Robison, the beloved founder of Life Outreach International,” the ministry said. “James devoted his life to sharing the Gospel and bringing hope, help, and healing to those in need around the world.”

No cause of death was released.

While many Americans knew Robison as a television preacher, his influence stretched far beyond the pulpit. Over the years, he became a major figure inside conservative political circles and developed a close relationship with President Donald Trump during Trump’s first administration.

Robison famously revealed that Trump would call him repeatedly for guidance and spiritual advice during some of the White House’s most chaotic moments. But despite their close bond, the preacher once admitted Trump didn’t always listen.

“He heard, [but] he didn’t always heed,” Robison said during a 2022 speech, comparing Trump’s behavior at times to that of “a little elementary schoolchild.”

Still, Robison later became one of Trump’s most vocal evangelical supporters, even calling Trump’s 2024 victory a “miracle” that helped save the nation from further decline.

Born in California, Robison launched his preaching career in 1968 before exploding into national fame through Christian television. By the 1990s, he and his wife Betty had become household names among religious conservatives thanks to their massively popular LIFE Today program on Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Beyond television, Robison authored multiple books, traveled the country preaching to packed crowds, and built a large online audience through The Stream, a faith-and-politics platform he launched in 2015 that quickly became popular among conservative readers.

For decades, Robison remained a towering figure in evangelical America, blending faith, politics, and culture-war commentary in a way that resonated deeply with millions of Christians who felt increasingly under attack by the mainstream media and political establishment.

He is survived by his wife Betty, their three children, and 11 grandchildren.