This One Flawed Assumption Trump Has About Heaven Is Surprisingly Popular

President Donald Trump has been thinking a lot about heaven lately. At 79, the question seems to be nagging him more than ever, and he is not shy about sharing it.

On Air Force One last week, Fox News’ Peter Doocy asked if Trump’s Israel-Hamas peace plan might improve his heavenly chances. Trump laughed, smirking.

“I’m being a little cute. I don’t think there’s anything going to get me in heaven, okay? I really don’t,” he said. Then he added, joking, “I may be in heaven right now as we fly in Air Force One. I’m not sure I’m gonna make it.”

Only Trump could equate a jet to paradise.

This is not the first time he has wrestled with the idea. Back in August, he got candid on Fox News. “I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole,” he admitted. Then he offered a possible ticket to heaven. “If I can save 7,000 people a week from being killed, I think that’s pretty… I want to try and get to heaven, if possible.” It sounds like he is trying to bargain with the angels, offering world peace as his entry fee.

Age may be playing a role in all this reflection. Turning 78 last year, Trump grumbled, “You know, there’s a certain point at which you don’t want to hear ‘Happy Birthday.’ You just want to pretend the day doesn’t exist.”

Psychologist Cynthia Shaw explains that birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones often make people stop and reflect. Approaching 80, Trump is likely thinking about his legacy.

Losing people close to us can also make thoughts about mortality hit harder. When Trump honored Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he said, “He now rests in heaven, and he’s gonna make heaven. I said I’m not sure I’m gonna make it. But he’s gonna make it.” Kirk’s death clearly left an impact, stirring Trump’s thoughts about his own future.

Therapists point out that worrying about earning a place in heaven is common.

Rachel Menzies, author of “Mortals,” says many people believe their good deeds can protect them from the finality of death. Sobeyda Valle-Ellis, a therapist at HeartMatters NYC, notes that Trump seems to misunderstand salvation. He seems to think saving lives or doing good deeds can earn him a spot in heaven. In reality, she explains, admission into heaven is a gift of grace, not something you can work for.

Even some high-profile Christians get this wrong. Michael Bloomberg once said, “I have earned my place in heaven. It’s not even close.” Sorry, Mike, heaven is not a deal you can close.

Despite the mix-up, Trump’s open fretting about the afterlife is oddly endearing. As pastor Tim Keller says, “We are more sinful and flawed than we dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted than you dare hope.” Trump may still be counting his good deeds, but heaven is not keeping score.

Featured image via Instagram screengrab