At the National Prayer Breakfast, President Donald Trump criticized the New York Times for turning his sarcastic remark about entering heaven into a story on his spiritual doubts. He recounted the original joke from October aboard Air Force One and accused the media of missing his humor. The episode highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and press interpretations of his words.
President Donald Trump used his platform at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday to lampoon the New York Times for what he called a serious misreading of his offhand comment about heaven. Speaking to an audience focused on faith, Trump explained that his words were meant in jest, but the newspaper framed them as evidence of deeper existential concerns.
The origins trace back to October 12, when Trump, then aboard Air Force One, told reporters: “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. 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.”
By the end of that month, New York Times reporter Peter Baker published an article suggesting Trump was unusually reflective about his soul. Baker quoted Trump saying, “I want to try and get to heaven, if possible,” and “I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole.” The piece noted Trump's admission of being “a little cute” but pondered what might be prompting such rare self-doubt in the 79-year-old president, asking about potential regrets or fears regarding the afterlife.
Recalling the coverage at the breakfast, Trump said: “You can’t be sarcastic with them because they write your words.” He mimicked his original quip: “I’m never going to make it to heaven. I just don’t think I qualify.” Despite listing his good deeds, including boosting religion's prominence, he added that the Times ran a front-page story claiming he was “questioning his life and the meaning of his life.” Trump clarified: “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.”
This exchange underscores persistent friction between Trump and media outlets, where his humorous asides often spark broader narratives about his mindset.
