Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash
Trump Deletes Post Depicting Him as Jesus-like Figure After Backlash
Amid escalating controversy, Donald Trump took down a contentious Truth Social post that portrayed him as a Jesus-like figure. The AI-generated image showed the president appearing to heal a sick man in a hospital bed, sparking sharp criticism from across the political divide, even from some of his staunchest allies. This came shortly after he shared a detailed critique of Pope Leo XIV, a leader who has been vocal in opposing the U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran.
Image Sparks Religious and Political Debate
The now-removed image featured Trump in a white robe, with a glowing hand on the forehead of a patient. Critics likened the scene to traditional depictions of Jesus performing miracles, noting the religious symbolism. The background included the Statue of Liberty, a fluttering American flag, fighter jets, and an eagle, alongside a nurse, a woman in prayer, and a soldier. Trump later claimed the image showed him as a doctor beside 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,” wrote Sean Feucht, a Christian activist. “There’s no context where this is acceptable.”
“God shall not be mocked,” remarked Riley Gaines, a prominent conservative voice.
Pope’s Criticism and Trump’s Defense
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has consistently condemned the Iran conflict, calling it “absurd and inhuman violence.” Trump dismissed the pontiff’s stance, 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.” Despite the backlash, Trump refused to apologize during a White House press briefing, emphasizing his own role in addressing global threats.
History of Controversial Posts on Truth Social
Trump’s Truth Social platform has faced prior scrutiny. In February, a racist video portraying Barack and Michelle Obama as apes was posted and eventually removed. The White House initially defended the clip as an “internet meme video,” urging critics to “stop the fake outrage.” However, after mounting criticism, including from Republican senators, the post was deleted, with officials admitting a staffer had “erroneously” shared it.
