Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash
Trump Removes Image Portraying Him as Christ-like Figure Amid Controversy
US President Donald Trump faced mounting criticism and removed a contentious post on Truth Social that depicted him as a Christ-like figure. The AI-generated image showed Trump seemingly healing a patient in a hospital bed, sparking reactions from across the political divide, even among his staunchest allies. The post emerged shortly after Trump issued a scathing critique of Pope Leo XIV, a leader who has openly opposed US and Israeli actions in Iran.
Trump acknowledged the image, claiming he believed it showed him as a physician. “It’s supposed to be as a doctor making people better,” he said, insisting, “I make people a lot better.” The visual included a white robe, a radiant hand on a sick man’s forehead, and elements like the Statue of Liberty, a waving American flag, fighter jets, and a nurse. Critics, however, drew parallels to biblical depictions of Jesus, arguing the image exaggerated his spiritual symbolism.
Immediate Reactions from Faith-based Groups
Sean Feucht, a Christian activist involved in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, demanded the image be erased instantly. “There’s no context where this is acceptable,” he noted. Conservative commentator Riley Gaines echoed the sentiment, stating, “God shall not be mocked,” while David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network called the portrayal “too far” and “crossing the line.”
Despite the backlash, Trump did not express regret during a White House press briefing. “Pope Leo said things that are wrong,” he asserted, adding that the pontiff opposed his Iran policy. “You cannot have a nuclear Iran,” Trump insisted, suggesting the Pope would not approve the outcome.
History of Controversial Posts on Truth Social
This incident follows similar controversies on Trump’s platform. In February, a racist clip comparing Barack and Michelle Obama to apes was posted and later deleted. The White House initially dismissed it as an “internet meme video,” urging critics to “stop the fake outrage.” However, after backlash from several Republican senators, the post was removed, with an official admitting a staffer had “erroneously” uploaded it.
