Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash
Trump Deletes Post Depicting Him as Jesus-like Figure Amid Outcry
US President Donald Trump recently removed a divisive image from his Truth Social platform, which portrayed him as a Jesus-like figure. The AI-generated photo showed Trump in a white robe, with a radiant hand on the forehead of a hospitalized man, sparking immediate controversy across political lines. Some of his staunchest allies and even the administration joined in criticizing the visual, which drew comparisons to biblical depictions of Christ healing the sick.
Context of the Post
The image emerged shortly after Trump posted a detailed critique of Pope Leo XIV, who has been vocal in opposing US and Israeli actions in Iran. The AI-generated photo included symbolic elements like the Statue of Liberty, a waving American flag, fighter jets, an eagle, and figures such as a nurse, a woman in prayer, and a soldier. Trump initially claimed the image showed him as a doctor alongside a Red Cross worker, stating, “It’s supposed to be as a doctor making people better. And I do make people a lot better.”
“It’s supposed to be as a doctor making people better,” he said. “And I do make people a lot better.”
Reactions from Critics
Faith-based groups and conservative activists swiftly condemned the image. Sean Feucht, a Christian organizer involved in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, demanded its immediate removal. “There’s no context where this is acceptable,” he remarked. Riley Gaines, a prominent conservative figure, referenced a biblical saying: “God shall not be mocked.” Meanwhile, David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network called the portrayal “too far” and “crossing the line,” urging supporters to “back the mission and reject this.”
Timeline and Previous Controversies
The controversial image followed Trump’s earlier post criticizing the pope, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope, had previously denounced the Iran conflict, labeling it “absurd and inhuman violence.” Despite the backlash, 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.”
Earlier this year, Trump’s social media team faced similar scrutiny over a racist video that likened Barack and Michelle Obama to apes. The White House initially defended the clip as a “memes video,” urging critics to “stop the fake outrage.” However, after mounting pressure from Republican senators, the post was deleted. A White House representative later admitted a staff member had “erroneously” shared the content.
