Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash
Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash
Controversial Image Sparks Political Backlash
Growing opposition prompted US President Donald Trump to remove a contentious post on Truth Social that portrayed him as a Jesus-like figure. The AI-generated image, which showed Trump appearing to heal a sick man in a hospital bed, generated strong opposition across the US political spectrum, including from some of his staunchest allies. The post emerged shortly after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, a vocal opponent of US and Israeli military actions in Iran.
Visual Depiction and Interpretation
Trump acknowledged the image, claiming it represented him “as a doctor.” The deleted post featured Trump in a white robe, with a glowing hand over a patient’s forehead, prompting critics to draw parallels to religious depictions of Jesus healing the infirm. The backdrop included the Statue of Liberty, a waving US flag, fighter jets, an eagle, alongside a nurse, a woman in prayer, and a soldier in uniform.
“This should be deleted immediately,” wrote Sean Feucht, a Christian activist organizing faith-based events for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. “There’s no context where this is acceptable,” he added.
“God shall not be mocked,” asserted Riley Gaines, a prominent conservative advocate, in response to the image.
Reactions from Faith-Based Outlets
Faith-based US media also voiced criticism. David Brody, a journalist at Christian Broadcasting Network, remarked, “This goes too far. It crosses the line,” urging supporters to “back the mission and reject this.”
Political Context and Defenses
Pope Leo XIV had previously condemned the Iran conflict, calling it a source of “absurd and inhuman violence.” Trump responded to the image, stating, “Pope Leo said things that are wrong,” and defended his stance on Iran, insisting, “You cannot have a nuclear Iran. Pope Leo would not be happy with the end result.”
The AI-generated image is not the first instance of Trump’s Truth Social account drawing criticism. In February, a racist video comparing Barack and Michelle Obama to apes was posted and later taken down. The White House initially labeled it an “internet meme video” and asked critics to “stop the fake outrage,” but pressure from Republican senators led to its removal.