President Donald Trump's past comments expressing doubt about his salvation have resurfaced, reigniting debate over his mental fitness as medical professionals and political observers point to what they describe as a growing pattern of erratic behavior.
In the interview aboard Air Force One, Trump said he wasn't certain about his chances of reaching heaven. "I really don't. I think I'm maybe not heaven-bound," he remarked. "I may be in heaven right now as we fly on Air Force One. I'm not sure I'm gonna be able to make heaven. But I've made life a lot better for a lot of people."
The remarks, initially dismissed as humor by his supporters, have regained traction as physicians and political commentators scrutinize the President's recent public appearances. Dr. John Gartner, a psychologist and co-host of the Shrinking Trump podcast, told The Daily Beast that Trump shows a "massive increase" in signs of dementia, citing what he described as "rambling speech, confusion, and memory lapses."
Gartner further suggested that Trump's "grandiosity" and "paranoia" have intensified, aligning with patterns seen in cognitive decline. The observations have fueled fresh questions about Trump's health and capacity to serve, particularly as he campaigns for re-election.
When asked to clarify his heaven remarks in a more recent interview, Trump insisted they were made in jest and taken out of context. "You know, it's bad for a politician to be sarcastic," he said. "I said, 'You know, I'm never gonna make it to heaven... I don't think I can make it. I don't think I qualify.'"
Trump added that the media had distorted his meaning. "But the Times did a story. A little guy named Peter Baker. Peter Baker, who is the sycophant to Obama," Trump said, accusing the New York Times journalist of misrepresenting him. "He wrote the Obama book, like, Obama was a good president. He was one of the worst. Biden was the worst. Obama was top three or four."
The President later said he was "having fun" and that the comment was made lightheartedly. "I said to a group of people - a large group - I said, 'I don't know if I'm gonna make it. I'm not so sure. But I'm gonna fight.' I was having fun. And they made it serious," he said. "You can't be sarcastic as a politician. Or have fun. But I don't regret it. I don't regret it."
Beyond the verbal controversy, public speculation has grown over Trump's physical health. Observers have noted recurring bruises on his right hand, which he has occasionally concealed during public events. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the matter, stating, "This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen."
In July, Leavitt dismissed concerns over the bruising, emphasizing Trump's activity. "President Trump is a man of the people," she said. "He meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day."
