Televangelist James Robison, the founder of Life Outreach International and former spiritual advisor to President Donald Trump, died on Sunday at the age of 82. The organization announced his passing in a statement, expressing deep sadness while celebrating a life devoted to service.
Life Outreach International Confirms Death
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Rev. James Robison, the beloved founder of Life Outreach International,” the organization 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 statement 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.”
Role as Trump’s Spiritual Advisor
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. However, he added that Trump often ignored his advice. “He heard, [but] he didn’t always heed,” Robison said in 2022. He also called the president’s 2024 reelection a “miracle” for the country.
Life and Career
Born in Houston, Texas, in 1943, Robison became one of the most prominent names in Christian television after beginning to preach in 1968. In the 1990s, he and his wife, Betty, hosted the Life Today program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Robison authored several books, toured 600 cities speaking to millions, and launched the Christian news platform The Stream in 2015.
Tributes and Survivors
Tributes flooded social media following his 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.” Another added: “God used him and Betty mightily in my life. He was a solid man of God with a huge heart of compassion.” A third said: “This is a sad day for America for the loss of James.” Robison is survived by his wife, their three children, and 11 grandchildren.
