Ololade Adeyanju/
United States President Donald Trump has deleted a controversial social media post depicting himself as a Christ-like figure, following intense backlash from political allies and religious conservatives.
The image, generated using artificial intelligence and shared on Truth Social, appeared to show Trump in flowing robes emitting light while healing a sick man, imagery widely interpreted as portraying him in the likeness of Jesus Christ.
The post was removed after several hours amid mounting criticism, particularly from conservative Christian commentators and Catholic figures who described it as inappropriate and, in some cases, blasphemous.
The controversy followed closely on the heels of Trump’s sharp criticism of Pope Leo XIV, whom he had accused of being “very liberal” and weak on key global issues, including the ongoing tensions surrounding the Iran conflict.
Despite the backlash, Trump defended the post, insisting it had been misinterpreted.
He said the image was intended to portray him as a healer or doctor rather than a religious figure, adding that he “makes people better.”
However, critics within his political base and beyond rejected that explanation, arguing that the symbolism was unmistakably religious and ill-judged, particularly given its timing shortly after Easter and amid an escalating dispute with the Vatican.
The episode has further strained relations between Washington and the Holy See, already under pressure due to disagreements over foreign policy and the war in Iran.
Analysts say the public exchange marks an unusually direct confrontation between a US president and a sitting pope, with potential implications for Trump’s support among Catholic voters.
In response to Trump’s earlier remarks, Pope Leo XIV maintained that he had “no fear” of the US administration, reiterating the Church’s position on peace and reconciliation while avoiding direct escalation of the dispute.
The incident has also reignited debate over the use of artificial intelligence in political messaging, particularly when it intersects with sensitive religious imagery and public sentiment.
0Related posts:
Trump Mourns Chief-Critic McCain, Banned From Burial
Pope’s Diagnosis of Causes of African Underdevelopment Simplistic, Condescending, Ahistorical
Archbishop of San Francisco Bans US House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, from Receiving Communion
Trump Rejoices as Robert Prevost Becomes First American Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV
Trump’s Officials Deny Threatening Vatican as Rift Deepens Over Pope Leo’s Criticism of US Military Policy
Internal Security Dynamics and the Imperative of a New Policing Thought in Nigeria