One can put anything in print that they can get by with. These are not believable comments from a man who deals brutally with those in his country who show opposition to him and his poor leadership. Opponents are not treated as if God created them equal.  Different ethnic groups have been treated cruelly instead of as created equal by GOD.  The NYT needs his money and I can see taking money for an ad but don't know why they would accept an op-ed. Wouldn't think that they would want to inadvertently call attention to anyone questioning America's exceptionalism.