Amid ongoing crises—starvation in Gaza caused by Israeli blockades and deadly bombings in Ukraine—former President Donald Trump’s self-importance appears to have reached new heights.

During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, Trump claimed, “I’ve done six wars, I’ve ended six wars,” asserting that he had settled conflicts with minimal American involvement. Meanwhile, he showcased hats bearing “4 more years” to guests in the Oval Office.

On Tuesday, Trump further displayed his inflated ego by praising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war hero” over Israel’s June airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, even suggesting he was involved in their execution. “I guess I am, too,” he added, despite never serving in combat and having previously denigrated military veterans like Sen. John McCain.

Earlier that day, Trump’s self-focus turned spiritual as he pondered his chances of salvation, claiming, “I want to try to get to heaven, if possible,” suggesting his motivation was linked to his efforts to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict. For a fleeting moment, he reflected on his controversial past—accusations of sexual abuse, racism, ableism, and hatred—implying these might hinder his spiritual goals. “I’m hearing that I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole,” he told Fox News. “But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons.”

Trump’s tendency to view himself as central to world events is long-standing, but recent days have seen an intensification of this self-absorption. While he attempts to project himself as a peacemaker, genuine progress remains out of reach, and he seems more interested in overshadowing other headlines, such as those involving Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, real suffering and death continue unabated.