The now-removed image, uploaded late Sunday, appeared to be AI-generated, featuring Trump in a white robe with a glowing hand above a sick man in a hospital bed—imagery that critics said bore a striking resemblance to religious portrayals of Jesus healing the sick.
The backdrop included patriotic and military motifs, such as the Statue of Liberty, fighter jets, an eagle, a prominent US flag, as well as figures like a nurse, a woman in prayer, and a soldier. The post came shortly after Trump’s sharp criticism of Pope Leo XIV, who has openly opposed US and Israeli military actions in Iran.
Also read: Trump posts AI image of himself as Jesus-like figure, drawing outrage
This controversy arises amid a growing conflict between the White House and the Vatican regarding the Iran situation. Trump has stood firm in refusing to apologize for his comments about Pope Leo XIV, asserting there is “nothing to apologize for” and labeling the pontiff as “very weak on crime,” while stressing that Tehran must not obtain nuclear weapons.
The Pope has countered, declaring he has “no fear” of the Trump administration and reiterating the Church’s ethical obligation to oppose war and advocate for peace.
Despite Trump’s assertion that the image depicted him “next to a Red Cross worker” symbolizing healing and stating, “I make people a lot better,” the post drew immediate backlash from across the political landscape, even among his own supporters.
Conservative commentator Megan Basham called the image “outrageous blasphemy,” urging Trump to remove it. Christian activist Sean Feucht asserted there was “no context where this is acceptable,” while Riley Gaines remarked, “God shall not be mocked.” David Brody noted that the post “crosses the line.”
Political allies also expressed criticism. Former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene accused Trump of attacking the pope on Orthodox Easter and shared an image implying he was “replacing Jesus,” labeling the action unacceptable.
This incident is not isolated. In May 2025, Trump had shared another AI-generated image depicting himself as a Catholic pope following the death of Pope Francis, which drew sharp condemnation from the New York State Catholic Conference, stating, “There is nothing clever or funny about this image… Do not mock us.”
