Donald Trump has admitted he cannot forgive some of his political rivals. The president discussed his beliefs about death and the afterlife during a recent interview with 60 Minutes.
Donald Trump says he cannot forgive political rivals in 60 Minutes interview
During the Nov. 8 interview, correspondent Ross Douthat asked Trump about mortality. The conversation eventually turned to religion and the possibility of heaven. Trump described himself as religious and expressed hope about his afterlife.
“Well, I’m a religious person, so in theory, I go to heaven,” Trump said. He also admitted uncertainty about his eventual destination. “I hope so. I don’t want to go to hell,” he added.
Douthat then brought up the late Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. He recalled remarks about forgiveness from Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk. Trump had previously said, “I hate my opponents, and I don’t want the best for them.”
Douthat asked whether Trump could forgive people like James Comey and Nancy Pelosi. He questioned whether forgiveness could help Trump enter paradise. However, the president was unwilling to promise reconciliation.
“Well, then I wouldn’t be real, would I?” Trump responded. He described his political rivals as dishonest and harmful to America. “The answer is no. I want to be honest,” he added.
Trump further explained that his feelings toward certain opponents remained unchanged. He said, “I do hate some of my enemies. I think they’ve been terrible.” He also referenced what he called the weaponization of the justice system against him.
Douthat challenged the president about his unwillingness to forgive. He pointed to Trump’s remarkable life and questioned his position. However, Trump maintained that forgiving his enemies was not something he could promise.
“I probably cannot do that, no, because I do hate some of my enemies and I always will,” Trump admitted.
Despite his refusal to forgive certain political rivals, Trump maintained that cooperation across party lines remained possible. He told Douthat he could work with Democrats “very easily,” adding that his priority was helping the country.
