President Trump Posts AI Image Depicting Himself as Jesus, Draws Conservative Criticism

President Trump posted an AI-generated image on Truth Social on Sunday depicting himself in religious garb with his hand on a sick man's head, resembling Jesus healing the sick. The image includes surrounding figures such as followers, an American flag, eagles, and the Statue of Liberty, along with other figures in the sky.

The post has received criticism from some conservative supporters on social media.

Critics on social media described the image as blasphemous and urged its removal. Conservative political activist Riley Gaines wrote on X early Monday that she could not understand the decision to post it and suggested that humility would be beneficial. She added that God shall not be mocked.

Conservative political commentator Michael Knowles stated that the president should delete the picture for spiritual and political reasons, regardless of intent. She linked it to recent statements by the president against the Pope on Orthodox Easter and threats related to foreign conflicts.

The image followed a statement posted by President Trump criticizing Pope Leo XIV, who has spoken against the war with Iran. In the statement, President Trump described Pope Leo XIV as weak on crime and poor on foreign policy. He expressed preference for the Pope's brother Louis, stating that Louis supports MAGA while Leo does not.

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy... I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon... ”

The exchange occurs as the administration seeks to end the war with Iran, which has divided supporters and contributed to increased gas prices in the United States. A ceasefire was announced last week between the two sides, but weekend negotiations failed to resolve key issues.

Background on the Conflicts The war with Iran has been a point of division within the president's base.

Negotiations have stalled on critical matters, leading to continued tensions. On Sunday, President Trump announced plans to impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, references to an American attack on Venezuela appear in the recent statement against Pope Leo XIV.

The Pope has been vocal in opposing these military actions. The timing of the AI image post coincides with Orthodox Easter and follows other statements on foreign policy.

Broader Context and Reactions Social media responses highlight concerns over the religious imagery used in the AI-generated post.

Critics, including current and former political figures, have connected it to ongoing international disputes. The post's reception underscores divisions among conservative groups on matters of faith and leadership. The administration's foreign policy decisions, including the Iran conflict and Venezuela actions, continue to influence domestic reactions.

Gas prices have risen as a result of the war with Iran. Future negotiations may address the impasse following the failed weekend talks.