Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash
Trump Deletes Post Depicting Him as Jesus-Like Figure Amid Backlash
US President Donald Trump has reportedly removed a provocative image from his Truth Social platform, which portrayed him in a manner resembling a religious figure. The AI-generated visual showed the president appearing to heal a patient in a hospital setting, prompting swift reactions from across the political spectrum. Some of his most loyal supporters joined in criticizing the post, which was published just hours after Trump launched a scathing critique of Pope Leo XIV.
The now-removed image featured Trump in a white robe, with a luminous hand on the forehead of a sick individual. Critics argued the depiction mirrored biblical scenes of Jesus performing miracles, suggesting a symbolic alignment with religious imagery. The background of the image included the Statue of Liberty, a large American flag, fighter jets, and an eagle, alongside a nurse, a woman in prayer, and what appeared to be a military personnel in uniform.
“This should be deleted immediately,” said Sean Feucht, a Christian activist. “There’s no context where this is acceptable.” He added that the image risked undermining the integrity of religious symbolism.
Following the removal, Trump explained his belief that the image showed him as a physician. “It’s supposed to be as a doctor making people better,” he claimed, emphasizing his role in improving people’s lives. However, faith-based news organizations and prominent conservative figures voiced dissent. David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network noted, “This goes too far. It crosses the line,” while Riley Gaines asserted that “God shall not be mocked.”
The controversial post emerged shortly after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, labeling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” The pontiff, the first American Pope, has consistently condemned the military actions in Iran, describing them as causing “absurd and inhuman violence.” Despite the Pope’s public stance, Trump stood by his policies, stating, “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.”
The incident is part of a pattern of controversy on Trump’s social media platform. In February, a clip likening Barack and Michelle Obama to apes was posted and later taken down. The White House initially defended the image as an “internet meme video,” urging critics to “stop the fake outrage.” However, pressure from Republican senators led to its removal, with an official admitting the post was “erroneously” created by a staffer.
