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Image Caption: An AI-generated depiction of Donald Trump dressed as the pope, released on May 3, 2025. — Truth Social @realDonaldTrump
Report from Washington:
On Monday, President Donald Trump brushed off criticism regarding an AI-generated image of him in papal attire that was shared by the White House on social media, labeling it a harmless joke. However, communication experts expressed concern over the implications.
The weekend saw the emergence of two AI-created images: one of Trump in traditional white papal robes and another with him brandishing a red lightsaber reminiscent of the villains from Star Wars. This type of provocative imagery is consistent with Trump’s strategy to energize his supporters while taunting his opponents.
Since his return to office on January 20, Trump has consistently made headlines. During an otherwise quiet weekend, these images kept him firmly in the social media spotlight.
Throughout his career, Trump has gravitated toward bold visuals—whether it’s posing with refuse trucks or standing outside a church amid police brutality protests. However, experts informed Reuters that unlike earlier photographs, these AI images can blur the lines between reality and fiction, potentially leading to misinformation.
John Wihbey, director of the AI-Media Strategies Lab at Northeastern University, explained, “We are witnessing a new trend—the combination of social media and artificial intelligence used to shape political narratives.” He added that Trump is tapping into this new terrain, suggesting it could become a tactic for politicians worldwide.
During a press briefing, Trump stated the pope image was simply shared as a joke on Truth Social, from where it was subsequently redistributed by the White House across social platforms. “I wasn’t involved in it,” Trump remarked. “Somebody did it for fun, and that’s perfectly fine. We all need to have a little fun, right?”
The White House did not clarify who else besides Trump manages the Truth Social account or who created the memes.
For many Catholics across the U.S., Italy, and beyond, the portrayal of Trump as God’s representative was seen as offensive. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi took to X to state, “This image offends believers, insults institutions, and shows that the leader of the global right enjoys being a clown.”
Democratic strategist Michael Ceraso regarded the White House’s posting as a calculated effort to stir conversation. “He’s the first influencer president,” Ceraso stated, advising Democrats to avoid being drawn into sensational controversies. He likened Trump’s tactics to professional wrestling; whether as a villain or a hero, the goal is to evoke strong reactions from the audience.
Since taking office, Trump has shared AI-generated images depicting scenarios like a beach resort in war-torn Gaza, along with portrayals of himself as a king and as a gangster reminiscent of Al Capone.
A Warning Signal
Jennifer Mercieca, a presidential rhetoric scholar at Texas A&M University, argued that Trump aims to project an image of strength amid declining approval ratings for his presidency. “Trump’s policies are not well-received, and his presidency itself is unpopular,” she explained. “In this context, he is crafting a visual fantasy to convince the nation and the world that he embodies heroism.”
Recent Reuters/Ipsos polling indicated that Trump’s approval rating stood at 42%, with 53% of respondents disapproving of his performance. His rating previously peaked at 47% shortly after he took office.
Wihbey warned that a more significant test of AI’s potential to distort political realities may arise if Trump attempts to insert himself into more realistic images suggesting events that never took place.
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