Former U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited some debate after posting an AI-generated image of himself wearing papal robes on his Truth Social platform.
The image, shared on May 2, 2025, shows Trump dressed in the traditional white garments of a pope, complete with a golden crucifix and a mitre, while performing a gesture reminiscent of giving a blessing.
This post coincides with the upcoming Vatican conclave set for May 7, where a new pope will be elected following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21.
Earlier in the week, Trump lightheartedly remarked to reporters that he would love to take on the role of pope, declaring, “I’d love to be pope; that would definitely be my top choice.”
He also mentioned Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, as a likely candidate for the papacy, referring to him as “very good.” The AI image not only circulated from Trump but also found its way into White House social media feeds, garnering millions of views and sparking extensive discussions.
This particular image was generated using Midjourney, a popular AI tool known for its realistic image capabilities. However, Midjourney has recently faced criticism for the misuse of its tech, particularly concerning deepfakes, including various portrayals of Trump and Pope Francis.
In light of concerns regarding the dissemination of misleading content, Midjourney has halted its free trial access, citing “extraordinary demand and abuse” of the platform.
The AI-generated depiction of Trump as pope has prompted mixed reactions online. Some found it amusing, with comments such as “The funniest guy alive” and “Make the Vatican great again.”
Others, however, condemned the post as disrespectful, particularly in light of Pope Francis’s recent death, with one commenter labeling it “disgusting and thoroughly offensive.”
