President Donald Trump is set to host a significant event at the White House on Monday, where he will honor CEOs and business leaders who actively participate in faith-based charitable initiatives. This gathering, organized by the recently established White House Faith Office, is expected to include over 60 business leaders, Cabinet secretaries, and top advisors like Pastor Paula White and Scott Bessent. During the luncheon, Trump is anticipated to emphasize the role of the Faith Office in supporting his broader agenda on social issues such as foster care, adoption, and poverty alleviation. The office, created through an executive order in February, aims to empower faith-based entities and align policies with American values, signaling a renewed focus on integrating faith and economic priorities in national policy.
Among the notable attendees are prominent figures such as David Greene, founder of Hobby Lobby; Debra Waller, Chairman and CEO of Jockey International, Inc.; Lee Dunlap, founder of Quest Events; Albert Huddleston, founder of Aethon Energy; and Jimmy Shoppa, founder of Shoppa’s Material Handling. These leaders, along with Cabinet secretaries and White House advisors, will be recognized for their contributions to faith-based charitable efforts. The event will be held in the State Dining Room, a venue traditionally used for significant state functions, underscoring the importance Trump places on this initiative.
Trump’s remarks are expected to focus on the significance of the White House Faith Office in enhancing the administration’s ability to address key social challenges. He will likely underscore how the collaboration between business leaders and faith-based organizations can yield tangible results in areas such as foster care and adoption, fatherhood initiatives, poverty alleviation, and prisoner reentry. The office, which is housed under the Domestic Policy Council, works closely with experts in the faith community to ensure policies reflect American values. This emphasis on faith-based initiatives aligns with Trump’s broader goal of reinvigorating American values and economic strength.
Senior advisor Paula White has already expressed her belief in the importance of such initiatives, noting that the event represents a critical step in making America a faith-centered nation. She stated that CEOs and business leaders who give back their time and treasure embody the spirit of America. By bringing together business leaders and faith-based entities, the White House Faith Office aims to foster a collaborative environment that addresses both spiritual and economic aspects of national development. This approach reflects a corporatist political stance, prioritizing partnerships between the government and influential sectors of society to achieve policy objectives.
The White House Faith Office, established through an executive order in February, seeks to empower faith-based organizations and community groups to better serve families and communities. Its role is to advise on policies that align with American values and enhance the effectiveness of faith-based initiatives. The luncheon marks the first such event organized by the office, signaling its commitment to engaging with high-profile business leaders and fostering a network of collaboration. This initiative underscores Trump’s vision of integrating faith and economic priorities to create a more prosperous and spiritually grounded America.