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Controversial post removed after widespread criticism
US President Donald Trump has taken down an AI-generated image on Truth Social that portrayed him in a Christ-like pose, following sharp backlash from political allies and critics alike.
Image details and public reaction
The now-deleted post featured Trump in a white robe, his hand glowing as he appeared to heal a bedridden patient. The scene included patriotic symbols: the Statue of Liberty, a large American flag, fighter jets, and an eagle. Additional figures-a nurse, a praying woman, and a soldier-were also present in the background.
Critics compared the imagery to religious paintings of Jesus performing miracles. Trump later explained to reporters that he believed the image depicted him as a doctor alongside a Red Cross worker. "It's supposed to be as a doctor making people better," he said. "And I do make people better."
When asked why he removed the post, Trump told CBS News, "I didn't want to have anybody be confused. People were confused."
Backlash from allies and faith leaders
Reaction to the post was swift, with even some of Trump's closest supporters condemning the imagery. Sean Feucht, a Christian activist organizing faith-based events for the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, called for its immediate removal, stating, "There's no context where this is acceptable."
"God shall not be mocked."
Riley Gaines, conservative activist
Faith-based media outlets also weighed in. David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network wrote, "This goes too far. It crosses the line. A supporter can back the mission and reject this."
Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV
The controversial post appeared shortly after Trump published a separate message attacking Pope Leo XIV, calling him "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy." The pope, the first American to hold the position, has been a vocal critic of US and Israeli military actions in Iran, describing the conflict as "absurd and inhuman violence."
On Monday, Pope Leo reaffirmed his stance, stating he had "no fear" of the Trump administration and was committed to "speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel."
Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, refused to apologize for his remarks. "Pope Leo said things that are wrong," he said. "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."
History of controversial posts
This is not the first time Trump's Truth Social activity has drawn criticism. In February, a racist video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes was posted to his account and later removed. The White House initially dismissed the clip as an "internet meme video" and urged critics to "stop the fake outrage." However, after pressure from Republican senators, the post was deleted, and a White House official claimed a staffer had "erroneously" shared it.
