President Donald Trump says he hopes to go to heaven when he dies, but when asked whether he would forgive his political enemies to get there, he gave a blunt answer.

During an extended interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Trump opened up about his religious beliefs, what he thinks happens after death and why he struggles with one of Christianity’s most important teachings: forgiveness.

The conversation took a personal turn when interviewer Ross Douthat asked the president about eternity, particularly after Trump survived multiple assassination attempts.

“Well, I’m a religious person. So, in theory, I go to heaven,” Trump responded.

When Douthat pressed him on whether he truly believed he would make it to heaven, Trump admitted he wasn’t certain.

“I hope so. I don’t want to go to hell.”

The discussion that followed about forgiving his enemies showed how difficult the subject remains for the president.

Douthat cited Erika Kirk’s message about Christian forgiveness during the memorial service for her late husband, Charlie Kirk. He contrasted her willingness to forgive with Trump’s previous statements about his political opponents.

The interviewer then posed a hypothetical question: What if forgiving political adversaries such as former FBI Director James Comey and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi were necessary for Trump to enter heaven?

Trump replied, “The answer is no. I want to be honest.”

When Douthat asked whether Trump would maintain that position before God’s judgment, the president stood firm.

“Before the judgment. No, I think they were very bad people,” Trump said.

Douthat continued pressing the issue, asking why someone who had experienced so much success would be unwilling to forgive, even when faced with the possibility of eternal consequences.

“I probably cannot do that, no. Because I do hate some of my enemies, and I always will,” Trump admitted.

The exchange raises a question that goes beyond politics. Forgiveness is central to the Christian faith, even when extending it to someone who has caused deep hurt or anger feels nearly impossible.

In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches that forgiving others is closely connected to receiving God’s forgiveness. He also commands His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them in Matthew 5:44.

Evangelist Franklin Graham responded to Trump’s interview on X, emphasizing that the question of who enters heaven is ultimately about a person’s relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Heaven has borders. Heaven has unique and very strict entrance requirements,” Graham wrote.

Graham explained that salvation requires recognizing one’s sin, turning away from it and placing faith in Jesus Christ, who died for humanity’s sins and rose again.

“Religion can’t save you—only a relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ, can save you,” he added.

His comments reflect a central Christian teaching: Salvation is not earned through good deeds, personal accomplishments or religious identity, but comes through God’s grace and faith in Jesus Christ.

Trump’s remarks also raise a question Christians of every political persuasion can consider: How do we respond when Jesus calls us to forgive someone we believe has wronged us?

For believers, forgiveness does not mean excusing harmful behavior or pretending past wrongs never happened. Rather, it means choosing not to let hatred control our hearts.

And while no one can know another person’s standing before God, Trump’s comments offer an opportunity to reflect on repentance, grace and forgiveness.

For Christians praying for the president, that can include asking God to guide his decisions, deepen his faith and help him extend the same forgiveness that Jesus calls His followers to show others.