Controversial televangelist James Robinson dead aged 82

Published: 00:08, 20 May 2026 | Updated: 00:25, 20 May 2026 Televangelist James Robison, the founder of Life Outreach International and the former spiritual advisor to President Donald Trump, died Sunday at 82 years old. 'It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Rev. James Robison, the beloved founder of Life Outreach International,' Life Outreach International wrote.  'James devoted his life to sharing the Gospel and bringing hope, help, and healing to those in need around the world.'  A cause of death was not immediately released. 'Though we grieve this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life faithfully lived in service to God and others,' the church continued. 'In the months and years ahead, we will faithfully carry on the mission James cared about so deeply − bringing food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, and mostly, the hope of Christ to a hurting world.' 'In the coming days, we will share additional updates as we move forward together. For now, we ask you to join us in praying for Betty, the Robison family, and the entire Life Outreach ministry family around the world.' Robison was appointed in 2016 to Trump's Evangelical Executive Advisory Board during his first presidential campaign. According to The Daily Beast, the televangelist said he would receive multiple calls a day from the president. Televangelist James Robison, 82, the founder of Life Outreach International and the former spiritual advisor to President Donald Trump, died Sunday Life Outreach International confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday. A cause of death had not been reported  However, he added that Trump would often ignore his advice. 'He heard, [but] he didn't always heed,' Robison said in 2022. Robison also called the president's 2024 reelection a 'miracle' for the country. According to Robison's obituary, he was born in Houston, Texas, in 1943 and went on to become one of the most prominent names in Christian television after beginning to preach in 1968. In the 1990's, he and his wife, Betty, began hosting the Life Today program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Robison also authored several books and toured 600 cities speaking to millions throughout his career. He also launched the popular Christian news platform The Stream in 2015. Robison was appointed in 2016 to Trump's Evangelical Executive Advisory Board during his first presidential campaign Robison pictured with his wife, Betty, who he hosted the Life Today program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network Tributes flooded social media following the news of Robison's death. One user wrote: 'Oh Father! You have called him home, what a mighty giant and a great man of faith and compassion. He changed and transformed countless lives all over the world, especially in my continent, Africa. As you enter your eternal reward, you will be missed.' Another added: 'God used him and Betty mightily in my life. I am sorry for the loss of his family, especially. He was a solid man of God with a huge heart of compassion. He will be greatly missed.' A third wrote: 'This is a sad day for America for the loss of James. I pray for the Lord Jesus Christ to fill the family and all those grieving, they are filled with God's peace and comfort from this great loss.' Robison is survived by his wife, their three children, and 11 grandchildren. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.