Donald Trump has raised eyebrows once again after his campaign sent out a bizarre fundraising email asking supporters to chip in $15 to “help him get to heaven.”
The unusual request was part of a 24-hour blitz announced by the former President’s team in late August. The email, written in Trump’s name, combined religious overtones, references to past political triumphs, and a dramatic appeal for donations to bolster his latest campaign efforts.
“I want to try and get to Heaven,” read the subject line of the email, which has since circulated widely online. The body of the message recounted Trump’s political journey, citing his defeat of Hillary Clinton in 2016, his economic record, and his survival of a recent assassination attempt as signs of divine purpose.
“This is our moment to show the world that we will NEVER back down, NEVER give an inch, and NEVER SURRENDER in our fight to save this country,” the email proclaimed. “That’s why I’ve launched a 24-HOUR TRUMP FUNDRAISING BLITZ, and I’m asking everyone to chip in $15 to make it one for the record books!”
Though the language may appear exaggerated, the email is very real. Fact-checking site Snopes confirmed the message’s authenticity, verifying that it was distributed through official campaign mailing lists.
The peculiar nature of the request – a donation for entry into the afterlife – left many scratching their heads. While Trump is known for his unconventional political style and unfiltered messaging, this latest appeal appeared to blur the lines between satire and serious campaigning.
Social media users were quick to mock the fundraising effort. One recipient on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Pretty weird to send out when you’re trying to reassure people that you’re healthy,” referencing recent conspiracy theories and speculation about Trump’s health.
These emails coincided with a wave of viral misinformation falsely claiming that Trump had died while in office. While those rumours have been repeatedly debunked, the emergence of a heaven-themed email campaign added fuel to the fire, prompting further ridicule from critics.
In an earlier interview with Fox & Friends, Trump himself addressed concerns about his standing in the afterlife. While discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he remarked: “I want to try to get to heaven if possible. I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I’m really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons.”
The Trump campaign did not elaborate on what, specifically, the $15 contributions would be used for. Unlike traditional fundraising appeals that reference specific events, advertising campaigns, or ballot access initiatives, the “get to heaven” fundraiser appeared more symbolic than strategic.
Political commentators were divided on whether the email was a serious appeal or a form of performative rhetoric meant to energise his base.
“This kind of messaging plays extremely well with Trump’s most loyal supporters,” said a senior Republican strategist, speaking off the record. “They don’t take it literally. They see it as Trump being Trump – brash, funny, and over-the-top. It reinforces his image as someone who doesn’t play by the rules.”
However, others expressed concern over the increasingly surreal tone of Trump’s campaign communication. “It’s part of a worrying trend where political discourse becomes more theatrical and less grounded in policy or governance,” said one political analyst.
This isn’t the first time Trump has mixed religious themes with political fundraising. During past campaigns, he has claimed to be a defender of Christian values, even as critics question the sincerity of his religious convictions. The new email could be seen as an extension of that narrative – leveraging religious imagery to invoke support.
The incident also recalls historical debates about indulgences – the controversial Catholic practice of paying money for the forgiveness of sins. While Trump’s email stopped short of suggesting donations would guarantee salvation, the juxtaposition of heavenly aspirations with financial contributions didn’t go unnoticed.
“I don’t think you can buy your way into heaven,” one user quipped online. “But if anyone’s going to try, it’ll be Trump.”
The backlash comes amid other strange developments in Trumpworld, including a bizarre series of events involving his sons. The Trump children recently launched their own mobile phone and network, while also attempting to claim ownership of the Club World Cup trophy in an unrelated publicity stunt.
Meanwhile, the former President’s official merchandise store has continued to sell out items ranging from Trump-branded sneakers to bobbleheads, and even launched a line of fragrances earlier this year.
It remains to be seen whether the $15 “heaven” fundraiser proves effective. Early reporting from Trump-aligned social media pages suggests that thousands of supporters responded to the call, though official figures have not been released.
Critics argue that the campaign exploits religious sentiment for political gain, while supporters maintain it’s just another example of Trump’s signature showmanship.
With the 2024 election cycle heating up, Trump continues to defy conventional political norms. Whether it’s through outlandish email blasts, viral rallies, or unconventional endorsements, the former President’s approach remains anything but predictable.
For now, one thing is certain: Donald Trump isn’t leaving the stage quietly –