Outgoing Energy Secretary Rick Perry says he told President Trump he had been “ordained” by God for this moment in time and that God has used “imperfect people” throughout the history of the world.
Appearing on Fox News’ America’s News Headquarters with Ed Henry, Perry said he believes that God appoints leaders – no matter the party. That includes Democrats like Barack Obama and Republicans like Donald Trump.
“None of us got here by accident,” Perry said. “I’m a big believer that the God of our universe is still very active in the details of the day-to-day lives of government. Barack Obama didn’t get to be the president of the United States without being ordained by God, [and] neither did Donald Trump.”
God “has used individuals who aren’t perfect all through history,” Perry added.
“Donald Trump’s not perfect,” Perry said. “And I think the Christian teachings and the Christians that are around him and his cabinet and in his life are very important. And I hope I’ve been a bit of a minister, if you will, a person who’s been able to share my faith with the president — and in turn, it’s been able to make a difference.”
Host Ed Henry then asked Perry how he responds to people who say Trump isn’t “much of a Christian” and “doesn’t care about faith.”
“God has used imperfect people all through history,” Perry said. “King David wasn’t perfect. Saul wasn’t perfect. Solomon wasn’t perfect.”
Perry said he gave Trump a one-page sheet a month ago about those Old Testament kings.
“I said, ‘Mr. President, I know there are people that say, you know, you said you were the chosen one.’ I said, ‘You were.’ I said, ‘If you’re a believing Christian and you understand God’s plan for the people who rule and judge over us on this planet in our government, you were. You didn’t get here without God’s blessing.’
“And I said … ‘I want you to look at this, I want you to read it, I want you to … absorb that you are here at this chosen time, because God ordained it.’ And now, don’t get confused here sir. This is not a reflection that you’re perfect … but [it is to say] that God is using you. And He uses all of us that way.”
Asked how Trump responded, Perry said, “He’s a good listener.”
Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com.
Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Pool
