Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash
Trump Deletes Post Depicting Him as Jesus-Like Figure After Backlash
Controversial Image Removed Amid Political Criticism
Donald Trump, the US president, faced mounting criticism after removing a contentious Truth Social post that portrayed him as a Christ-like figure. The AI-generated image, which showed Trump seemingly performing a healing act on a hospital bed, ignited sharp reactions across the political spectrum. Even some of his core supporters questioned the depiction, which was compared to traditional depictions of Jesus in religious art.
The post emerged shortly after Trump issued a scathing critique of Pope Leo XIV, a figure known for his opposition to US and Israeli military actions in Iran. In the now-deleted image, Trump is shown in a white robe, with a radiant hand on the forehead of a patient, echoing scenes of biblical miracles. Critics argued the visual reinforced a narrative that conflated his leadership with religious symbolism.
“This should be deleted immediately,” stated Sean Feucht, a Christian activist. “There’s no context where this is acceptable.”
Trump’s Defense and Fierce Reactions
Hours after the image was taken down, Trump addressed the controversy, insisting it depicted him as a “doctor” aiding a patient. “It’s supposed to be as a doctor making people better,” he explained. “And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.” The background of the image included the Statue of Liberty, a waving American flag, fighter jets, and symbols like a nurse and a praying woman.
Faith-based media outlets also weighed in, with David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network condemning the image as an overreach. “This goes too far. It crosses the line,” he wrote. “A supporter can back the mission and reject this.” Meanwhile, conservative activist Riley Gaines echoed the sentiment, declaring, “God shall not be mocked.”
“Pope Leo said things that are wrong,” Trump asserted. “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.”
Precedent of Controversy on Truth Social
The incident is part of a pattern of scrutiny on Trump’s Truth Social platform. In February, a clip portraying Barack and Michelle Obama as apes sparked similar outrage. The White House initially defended the video as a “internet meme” and urged critics to “stop the fake outrage.” However, the post was eventually removed following pressure from Republican lawmakers and public backlash.
