Trump made the remarks during an interview with Ross Douthat on the programme 60 Minutes, where he was asked about death, faith and forgiveness towards those who oppose him.
Douthat asked how surviving several assassination attempts had changed his views about death, and what he believed happens when a person dies.
Trump responded: “I hope people will miss me.”
Asked whether he believed he would go to heaven, he said: “I hope so. I don’t want to go to hell.”
The interviewer then reminded him of comments he had made during a memorial service for Charlie Kirk. He referred to how Kirk’s wife had spoken about Christian teachings on forgiving one’s enemies, while Trump had said he hated his opponents and did not wish them well.
Douthat presented a hypothetical scenario, asking whether Trump would be able to love and forgive James Comey, Nancy Pelosi and others he had publicly expressed hostility towards if he died and forgiveness was required for him to enter heaven.
Trump suggested that doing so would go against his feelings, responding: “Wouldn’t that be being disingenuous?”
The interviewer pressed further, asking whether, after having experienced so many opportunities in life, Trump could find it in his heart to forgive some of his enemies when standing before God’s judgment seat.
Trump replied: “To be honest with you? Probably not, because there are some enemies I hate and will continue to hate.”
