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

Trump Deletes Post Showing Him as Jesus-Like Figure Amid Public Criticism

US President Donald Trump recently removed a contentious post on his Truth Social platform that portrayed him as a Christ-like figure, following widespread backlash. The AI-generated image depicted Trump in a white robe, with a radiant hand on the forehead of a hospitalized individual, evoking imagery of Jesus healing the sick. Critics argued the visual likened him to religious icons, despite Trump’s assertion that it represented him as a physician.

Created shortly after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, the post drew sharp reactions from both political factions. The pope, who has been vocal in condemning the US and Israeli military actions in Iran, was accused of being “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” in Trump’s earlier message. The new image featured the Statue of Liberty, a fluttering American flag, fighter jets, and an eagle, alongside a nurse, a woman in prayer, and a soldier. Trump clarified that he believed the image showed him as a doctor collaborating with a Red Cross worker.

“It’s supposed to be as a doctor making people better,” Trump told reporters after the post was deleted. “And I do make people a lot better.” However, detractors swiftly challenged the comparison, citing its lack of context. Sean Feucht, a Christian activist, demanded immediate removal, stating, “There’s no context where this is acceptable.” Riley Gaines, a conservative voice, echoed the sentiment: “God shall not be mocked.”

Conservative faith-based media also voiced concerns. David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network wrote, “This goes too far. It crosses the line,” urging supporters to distance themselves from the imagery. The post was shared hours after Trump’s earlier criticism of the pope, who has repeatedly denounced the Iran conflict as causing “absurd and inhuman violence.” Despite the backlash, Trump stood by his stance, claiming, “Pope Leo said things that are wrong. You cannot have a nuclear Iran.”

Trump’s social media platform has faced similar scrutiny before. In February, a clip portraying Barack and Michelle Obama as apes was posted and later erased. The White House initially defended it as a “internet meme video” but conceded it was “erroneously” shared after pressure from Republican senators and public outrage.