Christian television network Daystar TV spent an estimated $38,000 this week to fly executives to Donald Trump’s victory party on Daystar’s private jet, raising questions about the ministry’s compliance with applicable laws.
The U.S. tax code prohíbe churches and religious nonprofits from supporting political candidates or any political campaign activity, since the so-called Johnson Amendment was enacted in 1954. It’s uncertain who paid for Daystar’s trip, and whether it was considered a ministry expense or a personal one.
El Informe Roys (TRR) reached out to Daystar TV, asking for clarification, but did not receive a response.
According to aircraft tracking website ADSB Exchange, the Gulfstream G-V jet owned by Word of God Fellowship flew from Fort Worth Meacham Airport in Texas to Palm Beach International Airport in Florida on Nov. 5. (Daystar Television Network is a trade name registered to Word of God Fellowship.)
Rachel Lamb Brown, Daystar director of communications and daughter of Daystar President Joni Lamb, was tagged in an Instagram post, showing her at Trump’s victory party in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Nov. 5.
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Rachel and her husband, Daystar Director of Business Development Josh Brown, also appeared on a program this week with Joni Lamb, talking about their experience at the party. On that broadcast, Rachel and Josh Brown shared that their brother-in-law and another Daystar executive, Jonathan Weiss, attended the Trump party too.
De acuerdo a Airport Distance Calculator, the Daystar jet traveled at least 971 nautical miles to reach West Palm Beach, Florida. LibertyJet estimates the average cost per mile for a Gulfstream G-V jet flying 200 hours per year is $19.58.
This means the Daystar trip from Texas to Florida and back cost an estimated $38,024.
Liberty U’s jet flies to Palm Beach on Nov. 5
Trinity Foundation’s Pastor Planes project also tracked another private jet that flew to Palm Beach International Airport on Nov. 5: a plane owned by Liberty University.
TRR reached out to Liberty’s spokesman Ryan Helfenbein, asking if the plane was used for private or Liberty business. Helfenbein responded that Liberty University did not fly to Trump’s victory party. Instead, one of its jets was chartered by a private interest that day, “separate from any Liberty business. And it was scheduled weeks in advance of November 5.”*
Liberty University’s jets are registered in the name of C&C Aviation, LLC, a property holding company located on Liberty’s campus.
De acuerdo a Airport Distance Calculator, the jet traveled at least 641 nautical miles to reach West Palm Beach, Florida. LibertyJet estimates the average cost per mile for a Gulfstream G-V jet flying 400 hours per year is $11.10.
The flight from Lynchburg to West Palm Beach would have cost an estimated $7,115.
Liberty University files an annual Form 990, disclosing total travel expenses and compensation for highly paid employees.
However, Daystar is classified as a religious nonprofit. As a result, the IRS does not require Daystar to file a 990 and disclose travel expenses to donors.
Other well-known religious figures who attended the Trump victory party were televangelist paula blanca and charismatic worship leader Sean Feucht.
Inaugural National Faith Summit featured Christian right figures
A week before the election, Daystar’s jet flew to Atlanta for the Inaugural National Faith Summit, organized by Paula White’s National Faith Advisory Board.
Joni Lamb attended the summit, as did Josh and Rachel Lamb Brown and Jonathan and Rebecca Lamb Wiess. Rebecca Lamb Weiss hosts a pódcast for Daystar.
Events like the summit are a grey area when it comes to whether or not they’re considered a prohibited political activity by the IRS. Some supporters of these events claim they are protected by the First Amendment.
The summit featured Donald Trump and some of America’s best known religious leaders. These included disgraced megachurch pastor marca driscoll and Ralph Reed, head of the Faith and Freedom Coalition.
Also attending the summit was Salem Radio Host Eric Metaxas; XO Marriage Founder jimmy evans; televangelist Lance Wallnau; Jentezen Franklin, pastor of Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia; and Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.
*This story has been updated to include information received from Liberty University Spokesman Ryan Helfenbein after TRR published.
Julie Roys and Josh Shepherd contributed to this article, which was originally published at Fundación Trinidad.
Barry Bowen es un miembro del personal de Fundación Trinidad, a public nonprofit based in Dallas, Texas, that has been tracking religious fraud and helping victims for over 30 years.
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Well, I know when they ask for future donations from me, I’ll decline. I urge everyone on here to do the same. By the way, Lance Wallnau’s credentials are not accredited. He got his “Doctorate” from a diploma mill.
Does anyone ask Franklin Graham the same question? I don’t know if he still has it but he used to own a multimillion dollar Falcon 50 business jet. The attached article from USA Today dated March 1 2016 has a picture of him in the cockpit flying to a rally. I am sure it is paid for by ministry donations, but few want to question the Graham name.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/03/01/franklin-graham-campaigns-hope-not-votes/81161730/
Actually, since airport flight logs are public records you CAN see where Graham and his plane are going. A twitter user named “pastorplanes” posts that daily reports on where all the top preachers’ planes are flying.
https://x.com/pastorplanes
This is his history of Samaritan’s Purse jet, a Falcon 900.
https://x.com/search?q=from%3Apastorplanes%20samaritan&src=typed_query&f=top
Here is his history on Daystar’s Gulstream G5-
https://x.com/search?q=from%3Apastorplanes%20daystar&src=typed_query&f=top
I was a pilot on corporate/ private jets for 42 years and am very familiar with all the costs involved in operating these type of aircraft . I can not find any justification of any ministry owning and operating a private jet.
Well Pastors Use planes to Do Matt 28 Go ye therefore and teach all nations Go Teach,Preach Evangelize, Deliverance and healing in JESUS name. Regardless of your opinion GOD said it I Believe it and that settles it for me.!
There is a valid form of air travel – regular commercial airlines.
The Grahams are the same, never forget Franklin said that Jesus would take the jab. The Grahams from the beginning have been part of the media/political machine. Hearst said “puff Graham”, then BG got cozy with Presidents, I remember reading that BG would not bring up “controversial topics withe the presidents (abortion, gay rights, etc.) because he would never be asked to return. The Grahams may be CIA for all we know. Anyway…
The church had and has entered into an unholy alliance with Trump. That began in 2016 and has continued until this. Of course these folks stretch their own personal moral boundaries as they follow and support the power of Trump. Truly his behaviour trickles downward to his followers. A terrible representation of the church and a poor example to all. I support none of them anymore and am embarrassed that I once did. My nonbeliever people are appalled at the church’s support of this man. Unfortunately, they equate the saviour with the church’s behaviour and reject both. As a person who is concerned for the salvation of the lost, I am sickened by these leaders’ behaviour.
This is perfectly stated. My thoughts, exactly. “Follow and support the power of Trump”… Yes, power is what all evil is ultimately about.
Gayle,
My thoughts exactly. It’s an “unholy alliance”. The people trying to convince people to repent of their sins are fully endorsing an “unrepentant person known for his many sins.”
Furthermore, the support is without any condemnation of the character or behavior.
“Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit. Matthew 15:14
It didn’t start with Trump, the “church” has been a political tool since the days of Rome.
True that!
Constantine started the integration of church and state. He declared Christianity to be the religion of his realm. He may have sincerely intended to do good. After centuries of incessant persecution, Christians in the Roman Empire could breathe a sigh of relief. But that’s when the corruption and paganization of the faith began. Christian Nationalism 1.0 was born. The hunted stopped being hunted. Then gradually, over time, the hunted turned into the hunters.
We are now in Christian Nationalism 17.3. Except now it’ll be different, right?
“Christianity started out as a fellowship in Palestine. It moved to Greece and became a philosophy. It moved to Rome and became an institution. It moved to Western Europe and became a culture. It came to America and became an enterprise.” ~Sam Pascoe
“Two thousand years ago Jesus said that His Kingdom was not of this world, yet His disciples have been trying to prove Him wrong ever since.” ~Coleman Luck, The Curse Of Conservatism
If this becomes a problem, then the churches where VP Kamala Harris spoke at violated this Johnson’s amendment. Is this really the issue? Is it really necessary to put in the Roy’s Report?
Only a small number of ministry aircraft Trinity Foundation monitors are owned by organizations run by black pastors or religious leaders that are part of the religious left. We have not identified any of their aircraft being used for political events. If we did, we would publish such findings.
How does one give this story any credibility when you yourself said, “It’s uncertain who paid for Daystar’s trip, and whether it was considered a ministry expense or a personal one.” Maybe you should find that out before accusing folks of doing something improper?
Where is Jesus in all of this? Or is it all about power?
Jesus said his kingdom is not of this world.
While I think that churches should stay away from promoting any political candidate or party (in the pulpit or otherwise), having a candidate come speak is not NEARLY the same as taking a private jet to fly to a candidate’s rally. An invitation to speak is free. A private (or even commercial) flight calls into question where the money came from…and if this spend can be viewed as financially supporting a candidate. Big IRS no-no for a church.
Marín,
These seem to be EXACTLY the same violation to me. Why am I wrong?
¡Gracias!
David
The money and exclusivity. A candidate invited to speak does so for free, and it’s no cost (financially) to the church or its members (who are all able to attend).
Not the same as renting a private plane for a select few to go see a candidate.
Like most things this will be rationalised and spiritually justified or simply regarded as, “we are the exception rather than the rule”.
For the welbeing of the soul, a bit cognitive dissonance now and then isn’t necessarily a bad thing. 🤔
Of course you could also look at how inner city churches are used as campaign arms for Harris and Democrats also against IRS rules.
Bingo. Too hot to touch, I guess. Easier (and much less dangerous) to do these types of articles and investigations.
They have their king now; let him fight their battles for them. The God of 1 Sam 8 is the same today as He was then.
What was the purpose of this trip? To have a good time? Rub shoulders for the sake of influence? Whatever…as long as they didn’t violate law, they are free to pander and grace themselves among the richest. What’s new with these types? Daystar is big money, supported by the grandmas pensions each month in hopes for receiving a financial blessing. It’s a disgusting reciprocating business where senior adults are targeted by prosperity preachers at the most divine TV times of mornings and afternoons. Seniors in their recliners are manipulated by the charlatans to give. Though they can’t afford it, they give and cha-ching it’s a win-win for the prosperity preachers and the Daystar network. Unfortunately, their adult children have no idea that their parents are being swindled. The end result being an ultra-rich lifestyle in the name of God. Woohoo! What I find disgusting beyond Daystar’s scheduled show line-up is that they get away with non-profit status.
You are correct Abe explain it well. It’s Jim and Tammy Faye Baker all over again. My great grandmother gave a small fortune to them.
Yep, just like the Scribes who paraded around in long robes, took the choice seats in the synagogues and at feasts, all while devouring widows’ houses (Mark 12:38-40).
There’s nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9-11).
I read this article and did not see any explanation how a flight carrying the Daystar executives to a POST ELECTION party could be a contribution to the campaign. In no way could this provide a benefit to the campaign on or before the election.
Nearly every campaign claims it has “debts” to pay off. I’m still getting unwanted political texts asking for $ two weeks after the election happened.
$38,000 would clothe and feed a lot of needy Christians. So would $7,000. So would all the millions and possibly billions spent each year by so called Christian ministries, Churches, and evangelists on their glamorous, extravagant lifestyles. However, we can’t say anything. We naíve, gullible, trusting Believers hand them our money thinking it is going out there to save the lost, but it ends up in the pockets of our wordly, ungodly, wealthy church leaders. Maybe it’s time to give our money to our local, community people that we know need help and witness to them with our giving. Let’s quit supporting these false prophets and leaders and Go Local. Get out there and meet the people in need in the churches and community. Make a real difference! GoLocal!
Well worded and so true, Marsha! (I’ve been doing exactly this for many years.)
Just another reason not to comply & belong to their 501(c)3 control group. I look forward to the end of the unconstitutional IRS & income tax.
the 16th amendment isn’t constitutional?
I suppose you also think the 13th and 19th should be done away with as well?
https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-16/
Hail your new Caesar
Nathan, there is so much fraud surrounding the creation of the IRS that it should make anyone’s head spin if they were to dive deeply into the evidence.
16th amendment was never legally ratified.
https://michaelruark.wordpress.com/2020/09/12/states-did-not-legally-ratify-the-16th-amendment/
Research IRS special agent Joe Bannister. A principled man that loves Jesus. Read what they say about him vs what his testimony is (last interview I heard was on Stew Peters maybe a year ago). He hasn’t paid federal tax for over twenty years since he personally uncovered the fraud.
Finally, within the IRS codes there is a difference between the definitions of capital vs income, and many people for decades have been getting every penny back withheld by their employers by filing they earned zero income. It’s all a game of semantics and fraud.
To echo some earlier comments: sometimes I understand the articles from this website, other times I don’t. If it was investigated hard enough (maybe easy enough?) with the churches that “supported” Kamala Harris’ campaign (i.e. she spoke at a church in Detroit last weekend…), I bet a similar article could be written. I doubt that would happen, though, only if this site is really going to be middle of road and unbiased.
Was Kamala paid to speak? The money is the big part of the issue (hence the mention of the IRS).
And as someone who grew up in the Black church, and has seen how this works through my family members who held leadership roles – every election season, it is a common practice for various Black churches to invite ALL candidates to come speak to the congregation either during service or to mingle in the fellowship hall afterwards (where dinner is often being served).
I never thought too much about how it impacted me as a child in the Black church until recently; I’ll say I noticed how Democratic and Independent candidates always showed up, and Republican ones never did. I didn’t really understand why this was the case until I got older.
For those of you who wonder why the Democratic party has a lock on the Black church; it’s amazing how showing up can matter.
I don’t know about any of you but the fact that Elon Musk is so entwined with Trump makes my “intuition” alarm ring. Then add all these big wig church leaders and, well let your imagination led by the Spirit guide your thought.
Ive read numerous articles critical of Trump on this site….theres been a few mentioning Harris but not in an overtly critical tone. Trump has many flaws. I personally am embarassed by some things that he says. But I resent this site for getting on the moral high horse against Trump but not against Harris for her anti life and pro child genital mutilation views.
The only reason we published any stories mentioning Trump or Harris is because of a connection to evangelicals. Our focus is the church and how it’s engaging politically. It’s not on either candidate. Trump got more coverage simply because evangelicals were so vested in his campaign.
Julie, that may be true but these aren’t unbiased articles they are opinion pieces nothing more.
Mark Hermann, I agree with you.
julio,
While I admire much of your work, this explanation seems hollow… unfettered by a basis in truth. There seems to be a definite bias against one candidate, rather than an unbiased indictment of any political support offered by an evangelical church.
Thanks for allowing me to offer this perspective.
David
Seems to me that The Roys Report is about the church’s behavior. Not Trump or Harris (GOP or Democrat) – pro or anti. To think that this is about politics, is missing the point.
Quite interestingly, the Apostle Paul did not directly deal with the world, that is, the kingdom of man. He said: “ For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore ‘put away from yourselves the evil person’ (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). Seems like Paul was more concerned about what happened within the kingdom of God than what happened in the world. The church today has different priorities than Paul.
My thoughts exactly, there does seem to be a bias here. I’m confused by Christians who reject Trump because of his personal life, but seem to give Harris a pass. We had 2 choices, and the policies, not personalities, were very different. Only one of those platforms most closely aligned with the Bible I read.
A whos-who of Power worshippers… they have it now, but God have mercy on their souls… I don’t know where the line is, but the outward fruit (most important btw) seems to suggest they aren’t following Jesus anymore…
Not a fan of this type of financial appropriation at all. On either side. Just out of curiosity, have there been any articles condemning the Harris campaign from using the pulpit to further her candidacy? I know a church recently gave her time to speak…
This is an article on Daystar, not Trump. It doesn’t matter which campaign Daystar was supporting. The point is that as a 501c3, Daystar should not support any political campaign.
Thanks for the response. I completely agree with the premise of this article. My questions is, since TRR’s mission is to expose a lot of the ugliness that exists within the church (which this site does well), why not expose the ugliness of any Progressive churches? Why not throw an article in once and a while that shines a light on the many churches that flagrantly support liberal candidates – from the pulpit. Those institutions are also in violation of 501c3 standards. This is not “whataboutism” as I don’t support any of it. It’s not a bad thing that I, along with others in this comment section are asking this question.
If there was no exchange of money, and both candidates were invited to speak, I would see that as less of a problem.
But all of this is proof of why the church needs to untangle itself from political associations.
Sickening, the luxury lifestyles and behavior of people who prey on the vulnerable to fund it all. Of course they fly in to Mar-a-Lago for a victory party. Why are we surprised? This is their guy. This is the glittery life they love, and others–many who can’t even afford a vacation on a commercial jet–seem willing to pay for the grift.
The IRS has become toothless regarding religious non-profits–and we know this will only get worse in the coming administration. Separation of church and state is vital, but so misunderstood and mischaracterized. It protects us all.
This article shows the importance of media like The Roys Report. We must develop the courage to see behind the curtain. The Great Oz indeed has only a microphone–with an elaborate mirage created of smoke machines and mirrors.
This is not the first time they have potentially used the plane for personal use. The plane that was bought after their PPP loan that when questioned and criticized Marcus paid back. Joni took this plane to Colorado for her trists with Doug Weiss. The family uses it for vacation and conveniently has a “meeting” at a nearby church. Folks are the ones being taken for a ride and it’s sad. It breaks my heart people give away their last dollar for them to be saved and this is how the leadership at Daystar spends it. Go to your parties, support who you want, but they’ve forgotten who they are, why they are there and who brought them to the party.
You are so right. How did she amass $4 million dollars for a new mansion. People gave so thar the world would learn about Jesus, not so Jodie can live the other elites our country. Other ministries guilty of this also.
I guess since I grew up with only knowing about extremely wealthy pastors (and it never bothered me because I knew they were famous , and it seemed to me like “ well, they deliver great messages and how much money they have doesn’t matter to me as long as they’re good people.) But, I don’t know, it still doesn’t matter to me as long as they’re good ppl. Honest , pure in heart, living right. That’s what I care about. I don’t fault them for the money. Maybe I just don’t understand fully the issue.