Donald Trump has once again found himself at the centre of controversy, this time over remarks about religion and salvation that many Christians say reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of their faith.
The U.S. President made the comments during a press conference following a series of high-profile diplomatic meetings, including a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders in Washington, D.C.
As he reflected on the possibility of negotiating an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Trump suggested such a move might even boost his chances of eternal reward.
“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, I’m hearing that I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole,” Trump said with a chuckle. “But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons.”