Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash

Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash

Amid escalating criticism, US President Donald Trump reportedly took down a contentious post on his Truth Social platform, which portrayed him as a Jesus-like figure. The AI-generated image showed Trump in a white robe, with a radiant hand on the forehead of a hospitalized individual, sparking immediate debate across political ideologies. Some of his staunchest allies, including Christian and conservative activists, joined the chorus of dissent, questioning the image’s intent and symbolism.

The controversial visual was shared just hours after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, accusing him of being “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” The Pope, the first American to lead the Vatican, has consistently condemned the conflict in Iran, labeling it as a source of “absurd and inhuman violence.” Trump, speaking shortly after the image was removed, claimed it depicted him as a physician alongside a Red Cross worker, insisting it conveyed “a doctor making people better.”

“This should be deleted immediately,” wrote Sean Feucht, a Christian activist spearheading faith-based events for the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. “There’s no context where this is acceptable,” he added.

Riley Gaines, a prominent conservative figure, echoed the criticism, stating, “God shall not be mocked,” while faith-oriented news outlets also voiced disapproval. David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network remarked, “This goes too far. It crosses the line,” urging supporters to “back the mission and reject this.”

Earlier in February, Trump’s Truth Social had faced scrutiny for an AI-generated clip that portrayed Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. The White House initially defended the post as an “internet meme video,” telling critics to “stop the fake outrage.” However, after mounting pressure from several Republican senators, the clip was eventually removed, with a White House official citing “erroneous” staff actions.

Despite the removal, Trump maintained his stance, asserting that Pope Leo’s criticisms were unfounded. “He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran,” the president said, implying the Pope would not approve of the outcome. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Trump’s public image and the religious symbolism he has occasionally adopted in his social media campaigns.