Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash
Trump Deletes Post Portraying Him as Christ-like Figure Amid Criticism
Donald Trump, the US President, faced mounting backlash after removing a provocative Truth Social post that portrayed him as a Christ-like figure. The image, created by artificial intelligence, depicted Trump seemingly healing a patient in a hospital bed, a scene likened to biblical depictions of Jesus. This came shortly after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, a leader who has openly opposed US and Israeli actions in Iran.
Controversial Visual and Political Context
The AI-generated image showed Trump in a white robe, with a radiant hand on the forehead of a sick individual. Critics argued the portrayal mirrored religious art of Jesus, suggesting a deliberate attempt to evoke spiritual imagery. The background featured the Statue of Liberty, a fluttering American flag, fighter jets, an eagle, and elements like a nurse and a praying woman. Trump later clarified he believed the image depicted him as a physician alongside a Red Cross worker, stating, “It’s supposed to be as a doctor making people better. I make people a lot better.”
“This should be deleted immediately,” said Sean Feucht, a Christian activist. “There’s no context where this is acceptable.”
“God shall not be mocked,” remarked Riley Gaines, a prominent conservative figure.
“This goes too far. It crosses the line,” wrote David Brody, a journalist at Christian Broadcasting Network.
The image was posted hours after Trump’s critique of the Pope, who has condemned the Iran conflict as “absurd and inhuman violence.” Pope Leo, the first American to hold the title, emphasized his commitment to speaking out against the war, declaring, “I have no fear of the Trump administration. My role is to promote the Gospel’s message.” Trump, however, defended his stance, asserting, “Pope Leo said things that are wrong. He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran.”
Trump’s Truth Social platform has previously drawn scrutiny. In February, a racist video comparing Barack and Michelle Obama to apes was shared and eventually taken down. The White House initially dismissed it as an “internet meme video,” urging critics to “stop the fake outrage.” After facing strong opposition from Republican lawmakers, the post was removed, with officials admitting a staff member had “erroneously” uploaded it.
