President Donald Trump has conceded he probably will not make it to heaven, despite brokering a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that freed hostages and ended more than two years of bloody conflict.
The 79-year-old president made the startling admission whilst speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, en route to Israel to celebrate the historic peace agreement. His blunt assessment of his spiritual prospects came just days after he lost his bid to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked whether the Gaza ceasefire would improve Trump’s chances of entering the pearly gates, referencing the president’s previous comments that ending the Ukraine war might help secure his place in heaven.
“I’m Being a Little Cute”
“I mean, you know, I’m being a little cute,” Trump responded. “I don’t think there’s anything that’s going to get me in heaven. I really don’t. I think I’m not maybe heaven-bound.”
The president then added with characteristic bombast: “I may be in heaven right now as we fly in Air Force One. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to make heaven, but I’ve made life a lot better for a lot of people.”
Trump’s candid remarks represent a rare moment of self-reflection from a president who typically projects absolute confidence. The admission stands in stark contrast to his previous suggestions that his peacemaking efforts could earn him divine favour.
The president went on to make false claims about the 2020 election being rigged and insisted the Ukraine-Russia war would never have occurred had he remained in office following that contest.
From Presbyterian to Non-Denominational Christian
Trump’s religious identity has evolved considerably over the years. Raised in the Presbyterian faith, he was confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, Queens, as a child. For most of his adult life, he publicly identified as Presbyterian.
However, in 2020, Trump told Religion News Service he had begun considering himself a non-denominational Christian. “Though I was confirmed at a Presbyterian church as a child, I now consider myself to be a non-denominational Christian,” he stated in a written interview.
Trump explained that he and First Lady Melania Trump had “gotten to visit some amazing churches and meet with great faith leaders from around the world” during his time in office. He said the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to tune into virtual church services, which influenced his evolving religious views.
First Lady Melania Trump made headlines in 2017 when she met the late Pope Francis and revealed she was Catholic, asking the pontiff to bless her rosary beads. The religious difference between the president and first lady has rarely been discussed publicly.
Previous Comments About Heaven
Trump first raised the prospect of earning his way into heaven during an appearance on “Fox & Friends” on 19th August. He was discussing his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders.
“I want to try and get to heaven, if possible. I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole,” Trump said at the time. “But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons.”
The remarks sparked considerable discussion about whether the president was joking or expressing genuine spiritual concerns. At a White House press briefing later that day, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether Trump’s comments were serious.
“I think the president was serious,” Leavitt responded. “I think the president wants to get to heaven as I hope we all do in this room as well.”
The administration subsequently sent out a fundraising email with the subject line “I want to try and get to heaven”, asking supporters for £11 ($15) donations. The campaign appeared to capitalise on the president’s spiritual musings for political gain.
Historic Middle East Achievement
Trump’s latest comments came as he travelled to the Middle East to witness the fruits of his diplomatic efforts. All 20 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza were released on Monday under the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
In exchange, Israel released approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including 250 men serving lengthy sentences for serious crimes. The prisoner exchange formed a central component of the peace deal.
During his speech before the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, on Monday, Trump hailed the agreement as marking a “new dawn of the Middle East”. He told Israeli politicians: “You’ve won. Now it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Trump as the “greatest friend” Israel has ever had during his own address to the Knesset. The president travelled onwards to Egypt for a summit with world leaders to discuss Gaza’s future and how to maintain the fragile peace.
Spiritual Doubts and Political Reality
Trump’s acknowledgement that he may not reach heaven reflects an unusual moment of vulnerability from a leader rarely given to public self-doubt. The president has faced numerous legal challenges, including becoming the first former US president convicted in a criminal case related to hush money payments.
His comments also come against the backdrop of intense political polarisation, with critics accusing him of using religion as a political tool rather than expressing genuine faith. A survey during his first presidency showed 63% of Americans did not believe he was religious, despite his professed Christian affiliation.
White evangelical voters who support the Republican Party see matters differently, with 59% believing Trump has strong religious beliefs, according to polling by the Public Religion Research Institute.
Last week, Trump suggested there was “no reason to be good” if moral behaviour on earth is not rewarded after death, comments that drew criticism from religious leaders concerned about the theological implications of such statements.
The president’s willingness to discuss his spiritual doubts whilst simultaneously celebrating what he describes as historic peacemaking achievements encapsulates the contradictions that have defined his political career and relationship with religious voters.
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Image Credit:
President Donald Trump participates in an interview with Rob Finnerty of Newsmax — photo by Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images, cropped, licensed under CC BY 3.0
