Trump posts and then deletes Jesus-like AI image of himself

AI-generated portrait sparks controversy

US President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself resembling Jesus on his Truth Social platform late Sunday night, only to remove it the following day. The image depicted Trump in a flowing white and red robe, with his hands positioned over a sick individual in a manner reminiscent of faith healing practices. The scene included the Statue of Liberty, a large American flag, fireworks, a fighter jet, and a praying person clasping their hands, while bald eagles and figures resembling holy warriors floated above the president’s head.

The AI-generated image drew sharp criticism from some of Trump’s most devout supporters. While he claimed the image showed him as a doctor, Trump did not clarify why he deleted the post. When reporters questioned him about the incident, he insisted it was not a portrayal of Jesus, stating, “I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do Red Cross.” He emphasized that the image symbolized his role in improving people’s lives, asserting, “I make people a lot better.”

“I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do Red Cross,” Trump said. “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”

Religious imagery in Trump’s political narrative

Trump’s use of religious symbolism is not new. During his 2023 bank fraud trial, he shared a sketch that placed him beside Jesus in a courtroom setting. This has been a recurring theme in his communication strategy, with his strong ties to the Christian Evangelical community and frequent consultations with spiritual advisors. Paula White-Cain, a televangelist and his spiritual guide, referenced this during an Easter lunch at the White House, likening his experiences to Jesus’ own.

“You were betrayed and arrested and falsely accused. It’s a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us,” White-Cain remarked.

Despite his alignment with Evangelicals, Trump has maintained a tense relationship with the Catholic Church. This has been fueled by disagreements over policies such as immigration and the ongoing conflict in Iran. During a recent appearance at the White House, where he received a McDonald’s order via DoorDash, Trump also addressed his rivalry with Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He criticized the pontiff’s stance on the Iran war, stating, “There’s nothing to apologize for. He’s wrong.”

“Pope Leo said things that are wrong. He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran,” Trump added. “He was very weak on crime and other things.”