In a recent series of statements, former President Donald Trump has made headlines by claiming that a divine purpose is guiding him to save the United States. As Trump navigates the complex political landscape and tries to win back Christian voters, his comments have sparked both support and controversy.

At 78, Donald Trump has never been one to shy away from bold claims, but his recent assertion that God has a “higher purpose” for him has taken his rhetoric to a new level. Speaking to Mark Levin on Fox News’ “Life, Liberty & Levin,” Trump expressed a belief that God is using him to help “straighten out our country,” which he describes as “sick” and “broken.”

“I think you believe more, because when you speak to experts, like my sons who are shooting experts. But when you speak to experts, they said there was no chance that he could have missed from that distance,” Trump said, referring to a recent assassination attempt that he survived. “I think he was hurried. I think he was rushed because people were starting to say, like, you know, there’s a guy up there with a gun. And I think he was probably rushed.”

Trump’s remarks suggest that he believes his survival is evidence of divine protection, reinforcing his sense of a higher calling. He further elaborated that the country’s dire state may be why God has preserved him, hinting at a spiritual mandate to restore America.

Trump’s comparison of himself to Jesus during the interview is perhaps his most audacious claim yet. He implied that he would have won California in the 2020 presidential election if Jesus Himself had been the vote counter, showcasing his unique blend of humor and bravado. This comparison has drawn mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a mere exaggeration while others view it as a sign of his inflated self-image.

Despite his efforts to appeal to Christian voters, Trump is facing growing challenges within this key demographic. His recent criticism of Florida’s six-week abortion restriction as “too short” and his support for free In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) have alienated some faith-and-values voters who see these stances as contrary to their beliefs.

National anti-abortion activist Lila Rose of Virginia-based Live Action voiced her disappointment, stating, “If you don’t stand for pro-life principles, you don’t get pro-life votes.” Her sentiment is echoed by other pro-life advocates who are frustrated by what they perceive as Trump’s inconsistency on the issue.

Moreover, Trump’s willingness to welcome pro-choice independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a potential ally has further muddied his stance on abortion. While Trump praised Kennedy as “great for women and their reproductive rights,” his comments have fueled accusations of “flip-flopping” on an issue that is central to many conservative Christian voters.

Fox News’ Mark Levin, a staunch Trump supporter, has come to the former president’s defense, suggesting that God has given Trump a purpose by saving his life. Levin’s comments are part of a broader effort by Trump’s allies to frame the former president’s survival and continued political activity as part of a divine plan.

“I think you think like, if you believe in God, you believe in God more,” Trump told Levin, reflecting on how recent events have reinforced his faith. “And somebody said, like, why? And I’d like to think that God thinks that I’m going to straighten out our country.”