Trump expresses heaven anxiety amid prayer initiative

President Donald Trump recently expressed his theological views, stating that there is "no reason to be good" except to prove to God one's worthiness for the afterlife, emphasizing the importance of faith and religion for a good country. This statement came during a news conference discussing a White House initiative inviting America's religious communities to pray for the nation ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Trump has shown a growing preoccupation with the afterlife, exemplified by a fundraising email titled "I want to try and get to Heaven," referencing his near-death experience during an assassination attempt last year. Critics have raised concerns about the influence of Christian Nationalist organizations on government and public schools amid the Trump administration's Religious Liberty Commission and recent legal changes allowing pastors to endorse political candidates. Trump also made remarks hinting at his spiritual anxieties, including feeling "at the bottom of the totem pole" regarding his standing in heaven. Throughout his comments, Trump underscored his belief that without faith and God, it would be difficult for a country to be good.