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

Donald Trump reportedly deleted a contentious Truth Social post that portrayed him as a Christ-like figure following mounting criticism. The AI-generated image showed Trump seemingly aiding a hospitalized patient, prompting sharp reactions from political factions and even some of his staunchest supporters.

The controversial visual was posted shortly after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, a figure known for opposing U.S. and Israeli military operations in Iran. In a later statement, Trump claimed the image represented him as a physician beside a Red Cross worker, asserting, “It’s supposed to be as a doctor making people better. I make people a lot better.”

Reactions to the image were swift and divided. Sean Feucht, a Christian activist, called for immediate removal, arguing, “There’s no context where this is acceptable.” Riley Gaines, a prominent conservative advocate, echoed the sentiment, stating, “God shall not be mocked.”

“This goes too far. It crosses the line,” wrote David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network, criticizing the portrayal as a faith-based misrepresentation.

Details of the image included Trump in a white robe, a glowing hand on a sick man’s forehead, and a backdrop featuring the Statue of Liberty, a fluttering American flag, fighter jets, an eagle, a nurse, and a praying woman. The scene also included a soldier in uniform, blending elements of religious symbolism with national imagery.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has consistently condemned the Iran conflict, citing “absurd and inhuman violence.” The pontiff expressed confidence in his ability to speak out against the Trump administration, saying, “I have no fear of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly on the Gospel’s message.”

Trump remained unapologetic during a White House press briefing, stating, “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.” The image’s removal marked another instance of backlash against Trump’s social media content, joining a February incident where an Obama-related clip was removed after criticism.

The White House initially defended the Obama apes clip as an “internet meme video” and urged critics to “stop the fake outrage.” However, pressure from Republican senators led to its deletion, with an official noting a staffer had “erroneously” shared the post.