In a move that has left social media both baffled and divided, former President Donald Trump recently requested donations from his supporters to “help him get to heaven.” The unusual fundraising plea was part of a 24-hour ‘Trump Blitz’ aimed at raising funds for his campaign.
A Request for Donations
Trump, 79, made headlines this week after making several public appearances, including attending the US Open and addressing the Pentagon rebrand. However, it’s his latest fundraising tactic that has caused the most stir. According to Newsweek, emails with the subject line “I want to try and get to heaven” have been sent out to his MAGA supporters, asking for a $15 donation as part of a special campaign blitz.
The emails, which have been confirmed as legitimate by Snopes, reference the near-assassination attempt Trump survived last year, when a bullet grazed his skin during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. “I came millimetres from death when that bullet pierced through my skin,” the email reads. “My triumphant return to the White House was never supposed to happen! But I believe that God saved me for one reason: TO MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Controversial Message
Trump continues, explaining that he believes God spared his life to fulfill his mission, adding, “I certainly wasn’t supposed to survive an assassin’s bullet, but by the grace of the almighty God, I did. SO NOW, I have no other choice but to answer the Call to Duty, but I can’t do it alone.”
Following this, he requested a $15 donation from his supporters, using his brush with death as a call for their help. The emails continued after the initial send-out on August 23, and his campaign has since been sending updates every few days, further emphasizing his desire to “get to heaven” through his actions.
Controversy and Reactions
The emails and Trump’s comments have generated mixed reactions, especially on social media. One user commented, “Most religious people who have a near-death experience straighten up, seeking forgiveness through repentance. Trump thinks God gave him a second chance to continue the cruelty. So warped.”
Others, however, argue that Trump deserves his place in heaven. One supporter wrote, “Do not judge or you’re gonna be judged,” while another remarked, “Trump is going to heaven for saving so many.”
The controversy was further fueled by an interview Trump gave on Fox & Friends on August 19, where he commented on his desire to end the Russia-Ukraine war, stating, “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.” Trump explained his desire to “save people” through his political efforts, saying he hopes his actions will help him “get to heaven.”
A Divided Public Response
Trump’s comments and his request for donations to “help get him to heaven” have sparked both admiration and criticism from different corners of the internet. Supporters have defended his statements, while critics have expressed disbelief, calling his remarks “delusional.”
Whether or not Trump’s words were meant as a sincere appeal or a tactical fundraising strategy, the response from his supporters and detractors remains polarized.
As this story continues to unfold, the world watches as Trump seeks further donations for his 2024 campaign, with his messaging now taking a personal and spiritual turn that leaves many questioning the motivations behind his calls for support.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Alex Wong
