US President Donald Trump has admitted that he may struggle to forgive some of his political opponents, even if forgiveness is necessary for him to enter heaven.
Trump made the remarks during an interview with journalist Ross Douthat on CBS News’ 60 Minutes, where he discussed death, faith and his feelings towards those he considers his political enemies.
During the interview, Douthat asked Trump how surviving several assassination attempts had changed his perspective on death and what he believed happens after a person dies.
In response, Trump said: “I hope people will miss me.”
When asked whether he believed he would go to heaven, the US president replied: “I hope so. I don’t want to go to hell.”
The conversation then turned to comments Trump had made during a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Douthat recalled how Kirk’s wife had spoken about the Christian teaching of forgiving one’s enemies, contrasting it with Trump’s remarks in which he expressed hatred towards his political opponents and said he did not wish them well.
The journalist then asked Trump whether, if he were to die and face God’s judgment, he would be willing to love and forgive political figures such as former FBI Director James Comey and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among others he has openly criticised, in order to enter heaven.
Trump suggested that doing so would go against his true feelings.
“Wouldn’t that be disingenuous?” he responded.
Douthat pressed further, asking whether, considering the many close calls and opportunities he had experienced in life, Trump could find it in his heart to forgive some of his enemies when standing before God’s judgment.
The president acknowledged that he might not be able to do so.
“Can I be honest? Probably not, because there are some people I hate, and I will continue to hate them,” Trump said.
The exchange highlighted Trump’s personal views on forgiveness, a central teaching of Christianity, and his continued hostility towards some of his political opponents.