Trump deletes AI-generated image depicting him as Jesus after backlash
Former president claims image was intended to show him as a doctor, not divine figure.
Quick Look
Donald Trump deleted an AI-generated image from Truth Social that depicted him in a manner resembling Jesus Christ after facing criticism from various commentators and religious groups.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Donald Trump, a former U.S. President, has a history of posting controversial images on social media, including one depicting himself as a pope after Pope Francis's death.
President Donald Trump on Monday morning deleted a Truth Social post with an image showing Trump appearing like Jesus Christ after it was met with backlash.
"I did post it. I thought it was me as a doctor," Trump told reporters at the White House, denying claims he was meant to appear as Jesus.
"It was supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better," he said.
Trump's on Sunday night posted the image, which appears to have been generated with artificial intelligence, after the president lambasted Pope Leo XIV for criticizing U.S. military actions against Iran and Venezuela.
The image depicted Trump, wearing a white robe, laying his right hand on a man who appeared sick or dying, with a bright light emanating from the president's left hand, and the American flag, eagles and military planes flying behind him.
The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC when asked for comment about the post being deleted.
"I don't know if the President thought he was being funny or if he is under the influence of some substance or what possible explanation he could have for this OUTRAGEOUS blasphemy," wrote Megan Basham, a conservative Christian commentator, in a post about the image on X.
"But he needs to take this down immediately and ask for forgiveness from the American people and then from God," Basham wrote.
The post was one of several in a series posted to Trump's Truth Social account Sunday night. The image stood alone without any accompanying words.
Former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had been an ally of Trump, in her own post on X wrote, "On Orthodox Easter, President Trump attacked the Pope because the Pope is rightly against Trump's war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus."
"This comes after last week's post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization. I completely denounce this and I'm praying against it!!!" Greene wrote.
In May 2025, Trump posted an image showing himself as a Catholic pope after Pope Francis died.
The president was blasted by the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the state's bishops, for that post.
"There is nothing clever or funny about this image," the conference said in a post on X. "We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Further criticism from religious groups and political opponents.
Likely · Within days
Trump may issue further clarification or defense of his actions.
Possible · Within days
The incident may be used by political opponents to question Trump's judgment and fitness for office.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific substance, if any, was Trump under the influence of?
- What was the exact intent behind the AI-generated image?
- Will there be any further official statements from the Vatican or religious organizations regarding this incident?
- What are the long-term implications of such imagery on political discourse and religious sensitivities?
