Donald Trump recently discussed his thoughts on the afterlife while addressing the media on Air Force One. During a flight to Israel following the release of hostages held by Hamas, Trump was asked about his chances of reaching heaven, a topic he previously touched upon when discussing his peace efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Last week, Trump anticipated the release of hostages and, according to the BBC, Hamas handed over 20 alive hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ceasefire agreement also set a deadline for handing over the remains of deceased hostages.
Additionally, Israeli troops have withdrawn to a mutually agreed line, maintaining control over 53 percent of Gaza, which Trump touted as part of a ‘first phase of our peace plan’ on Truth Social.
During the flight, reporters questioned him about his previous remarks on heaven. In August, Trump mentioned to the Fox and Friends breakfast show, “If I can save 7,000 people a week from being killed, I think that’s pretty — I want to try to get to heaven if possible.” He humorously added, “I’m hearing that I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole.”
When asked if his odds had improved following the Israel-Hamas deal, Trump replied, “I’m being a little cute. I don’t think there’s anything going to get me in heaven. I really don’t. I think I’m not maybe heaven-bound. I may be in heaven right now as we fly on Air Force One.”
Reports indicated that following his comments in August, emails were sent to supporters with the subject ‘I want to try and get to heaven,’ asking for $15 donations. Newsweek verified the authenticity of these emails, and they were circulated from August 23 onwards, referencing an attempt on Trump’s life in July.
The emails further stated, “But I believe that God saved me for one reason: TO MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” They emphasized his survival from an alleged assassination attempt as a divine act, pushing him to answer the ‘Call to Duty.’
In a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged Trump’s seriousness about wanting to reach heaven, hoping that others shared this ambition.
On the flight, Trump also criticized the Biden administration, claiming that if the 2020 election hadn’t been ‘rigged,’ the Ukraine conflict wouldn’t have occurred. He described the current administration as ‘incompetent,’ adding, “And by the way, the Israeli thing was much harder to get settled because of the past administration.”