Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash
Trump Deletes Post Portraying Him as Jesus-Like Figure Amid Outcry
Following significant public pushback, US President Donald Trump removed a contentious image from his Truth Social platform that likened him to a Christ-like figure. The AI-generated visual, which depicted Trump in a white robe with a radiant hand on the forehead of a hospitalized individual, generated sharp criticism across political divides, even from his core supporters. The post emerged shortly after Trump launched a scathing critique of Pope Leo XIV, a vocal opponent of U.S. and Israeli actions in Iran.
Visual Details and Context
The now-erased image featured Trump alongside a Red Cross worker, with a sick man in the foreground. Critics argued it echoed biblical depictions of Jesus healing the infirm, prompting swift reactions. Trump himself described the scene as “me as a doctor,” emphasizing his belief in the image’s message. The background included symbolic elements like the Statue of Liberty, a waving American flag, fighter jets, and an eagle, alongside a nurse, a woman in prayer, and a uniformed soldier.
“This should be deleted immediately. There’s no context where this is acceptable,” wrote Sean Feucht, a Christian activist involved in a faith-based initiative for the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.
“God shall not be mocked,” remarked Riley Gaines, a well-known conservative advocate, expressing disapproval of the imagery.
David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network echoed similar sentiments, stating, “This goes too far. It crosses the line,” and urging supporters to distance themselves from the depiction. The post was uploaded less than an hour after Trump’s separate criticism of the pope, where he labeled him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”
Pope’s Stance and Trump’s Defense
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has consistently condemned the war in Iran, calling it a source of “absurd and inhuman violence.” During a Monday press conference at the White House, Trump refused to apologize, asserting, “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. Pope Leo would not be happy with the end result.”
This incident is not the first time Trump’s social media posts have sparked controversy. In February, a racist video showing Barack and Michelle Obama as apes was shared on his account before being removed. The White House initially defended it as an “internet meme video,” telling critics to “stop the fake outrage.” However, under pressure from Republican senators, the post was deleted, and a White House official admitted the error was “erroneously” made by a staff member.
