'I think I should make it': Trump jokes about heaven, criticises media for misunderstanding

Trump jokes about heaven, mocks media

US President Donald Trump has taken aim at the media, saying reporters have failed to understand his “sense of humour” after his recent remarks about heaven and faith attracted widespread attention.

Addressing the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington on Thursday, Trump joked about whether he would ever be worthy of heaven and criticised The New York Times for treating his comments seriously. The National Prayer Breakfast, traditionally attended by US presidents, brings together political leaders, religious figures and guests from across the world to reflect on faith, service and public life.

“The people who are reading the words are much different. But I said, I’m never going to make it to heaven. I just don’t think I qualify. I don’t think there’s a thing I can do,” Trump told the audience.

“But all of these good things I’m doing, including for religion – you know, religion’s back now hotter than ever before. I mean, I have to tell you. But I said, even though I did that and so many other things, I named things, I said, I won’t qualify. I’m not going to make it to heaven,” he added.

Trump then pointed to a front-page New York Times article that interpreted his earlier remarks as a serious meditation on his life and mortality.

“The New York Times did a front-page story that Donald Trump is questioning his life and the meaning of his life,” he said. “No, I was just having fun. I really think I probably should make it. I mean, I’m not a perfect candidate, but I did a hell of a lot of good for perfect people.”

The president’s comments follow a pattern of similar jokes in recent months, often made while outlining his political agenda.

On October 15, in a video shared by the White House on YouTube, Trump was asked by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy about an earlier suggestion that ending the war in Ukraine could improve his chances of reaching heaven.

“I’m being a little cute. I don’t think there’s anything that’s going to get me into heaven. I think I’m not maybe heaven-bound,” Trump said at the time.

“I may be in heaven right now as we fly on 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,” he added.

Those remarks led The New York Times to publish a November 1 feature titled “Trump’s Search for Eternity: Heaven? Maybe Not, He Says. Monuments? Absolutely,” examining his views on faith and legacy in its White House Memos section.

Trump had raised the same theme earlier during an August 19 interview with Fox & Friends, again linking his efforts to end the Ukraine war with his spiritual standing.

“I want to try and get to heaven, if possible,” he said during that appearance. “I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons.”