Donald Trump’s recent comments about earning a place in Heaven through good deeds have sparked intense discussion among Christian leaders and followers across the country.

According to The Christian Post, the former president’s claim that helping end the war in Ukraine could get him into Heaven has prompted a renewed national conversation about the foundations of Christian salvation following his near-death experience in 2024.

During a phone interview with Fox & Friends on Tuesday, Trump expressed a desire “to try and get to Heaven,” suggesting that efforts to stop the Russia-Ukraine war might be one way to achieve it. He added that he had heard he was "at the bottom of the totem pole" spiritually, implying an awareness of his perceived moral or religious standing.

This was not the first time Trump’s spiritual views have raised eyebrows. In 2015, he told pollster Frank Luntz that he wasn’t sure he had ever asked God for forgiveness, stating he preferred to make things right on his own. Reflecting now in 2025, some religious observers believe Trump may be experiencing a notable shift.

Some Leaders See Misunderstanding of Salvation

Evangelical figures were quick to respond to Trump’s remarks. Franklin Graham, head of Samaritan’s Purse and son of the late Billy Graham, stated that while he welcomed the discussion about Heaven, salvation is not tied to human achievements. Instead, he emphasized that it comes through the work of Jesus Christ alone.

Evangelist Justin Peters offered a sharper critique, arguing that Trump’s beliefs reveal a misunderstanding of Christian doctrine despite years of exposure to high-profile religious advisors. Peters named several individuals—including Paula White and Kenneth Copeland—who he said have failed to present the Gospel accurately to Trump.

Jenna Ellis, Trump’s former attorney and a vocal Christian, also weighed in. She lamented that although Trump has been exposed to sound teaching from sincere believers, including herself, he still appears to think that salvation can be earned instead of accepted by faith.

Trump Reflects on Past and Relates Spiritual Shift

In the same Fox interview, Trump connected his spiritual thinking to global efforts, specifically the hope of brokering peace in Eastern Europe. “If I can get to Heaven, this will be one of the reasons,” he said about his efforts regarding the Ukraine conflict.

That statement followed a highly publicized attempt on Trump’s life in July 2024 during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump has since expressed the belief that divine intervention saved him, saying the incident reminded him that every moment is “a gift from God.”

Journalist Salena Zito, who has documented the events in Butler and Trump’s reflections since, corroborated his spiritual change. She noted that Trump has been more open about his faith and the questions it raises for him in private conversations as well as public remarks.

Public Encouragement and Appeals for Grace

At the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, one week after the assassination attempt, Trump visibly thanked Franklin Graham for offering him personal spiritual advice. He shared that Graham had sent him a message encouraging him to use clean language, advice that Trump said he is “working so hard” to follow.

Trump also recalled attending a Billy Graham rally as a young man at Yankee Stadium, where he first heard a clear presentation of the Gospel. This memory, revealed during his convention speech, adds another layer to the evolving public narrative of his faith journey.

William Wolfe, a leader in the Baptist community, took issue with the criticism Trump received online. He urged fellow Christians to pray for Trump rather than attack him for allegedly imperfect theology, emphasizing that his reflections showed a man considering eternal matters.

Broader Implications for Christian Discourse

Some, like poet and author Joseph Massey, praised Trump’s newly expressed vulnerability. Massey suggested that publicly grappling with ideas like salvation and humility reveals strength, not weakness, and could offer hope to those struggling personally or spiritually.

“There are suffering people,” Massey wrote, “who will hear this clip and take comfort in it.” He continued, asserting that no earthly force surpasses God’s power, and that Trump’s transformation, in his view, reflects the impact of divine grace.

Trump’s comments come at a time when political leaders are increasingly discussing faith in the public arena. Whether the former president’s theological stance evolves or remains unchanged, his words have undeniably reignited long-standing debates regarding faith, works, and the path to Heaven.