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On Sunday, former President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself resembling Jesus, which sparked considerable backlash, even among some religious conservatives who usually support him. The post was swiftly taken down the following day.
The image on Trump’s Truth Social platform showed him in a white robe, with a hand placed on a man’s head who appeared to be unwell. Trump later claimed that the picture was meant to depict him as a doctor, emphasizing that he makes people better. However, critics pointed out the photo’s religious symbolism, noting the divine light emanating from Trump and the way he is portrayed holding a luminous orb and touching a patient’s forehead, reminiscent of Christian imagery of healing.
The controversy arose amid Trump’s ongoing dispute with Pope Leo, who has publicly condemned the inhumane aspects of the US-Israel conflict in Iran, a war that Trump has been critical of. Prior to the post, Trump launched a lengthy attack on Leo, criticizing him as “weak on crime” and disastrous for foreign policy. In response, Leo—who is the first U.S.-born pope—asserted that he fears no American administration and plans to continue speaking out, condemning the violation of international law by global powers in a speech from Algerian grounds.
The imagery of Trump in the white robe, with a seemingly healing gesture toward the sick man, risks alienating some of his key religious supporters, who are vital for his political base. The background features symbols such as the Statue of Liberty, fireworks, a fighter jet, and eagles, adding to the dramatic, almost messianic tone.
Trump denied that the image was meant to portray him as Jesus; he insisted it was simply him as a doctor making people better. Art critics and political figures, however, raised doubts. Brendan McMahon, an art history professor at the University of Michigan, noted the religious symbolism, pointing out that the image aligns with centuries-old Christian art traditions portraying Christ as a healer, with divine light streaming from his figure and hands.
Some critics, like Brilyn Hollyhand, former co-chair of the Republican National Committee Youth Advisory Council, harshly condemned the image as blasphemous, arguing that faith should not be used as a prop and that Trump’s record should speak for itself. Riley Gaines, a former college swimmer and vocal critic of transgender athletes, questioned Trump’s judgment, suggesting that a bit more humility would be beneficial and warning that mocking God is dangerous.
Religious voters, particularly Catholics, are a crucial demographic for Trump. Despite his irregular church attendance, he demonstrated strong support among Christian voters in the previous election, including Catholics. After narrowly surviving an assassination attempt in July 2024, some evangelical supporters viewed it as divine favor.
This discord with Pope Leo may influence Catholic voters’ loyalty, sparking debate among analysts. David Gibson of Fordham University highlighted the uncertainty about whether this dispute crosses a line that will cause Catholics to reconsider their support. Bishop Robert Barron, who serves on a religious liberty commission established by Trump, urged the president to apologize for his social media remarks, yet also acknowledged Trump’s outreach to Catholic communities.
Recently, Leo has been vocal about his opposition to the Iran war, emphasizing that Jesus’s teachings oppose conflict and violence—a stance in direct contrast to some U.S. officials like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has justified aggressive actions with biblical references. The Pope has also criticized the use of Jesus to justify war, saying God rejects those who incite strife.
The tensions extend beyond rhetoric; Trump’s criticisms of Leo have escalated considerably beyond previous disagreements with Pope Francis, who publicly opposed Trump’s deportation policies. Last year, after Francis passed away, Trump posted an image of himself as the pope, which drew significant outrage from many Catholics.
Over 8 members of Trump’s cabinet are Catholic, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Vance downplayed the religious imagery as a joke and suggested that the Vatican should focus on moral issues rather than political spectacle. Meanwhile, the ongoing disagreement exemplifies the complex relationship between Trump’s political maneuvers and the religious sentiments that have historically influenced American politics.
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