US President Posts and Deletes AI-Generated Image Depicting Himself as Jesus Amid Feud with Pope

The US president posted an AI-generated image on Truth Social on Sunday night depicting himself in a Christ-like pose, appearing to heal a sick man surrounded by American flags and bald eagles. The image was deleted shortly after, amid widespread criticism. This occurred hours after the president criticized the pope as weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy.

The feud between the president and the pope has escalated over the past weeks, centered on the US-led war in Iran that began in late February. The pope has publicly criticized the conflict, US immigration enforcement, and the president's claims that divine support backs the war.

On Sunday, the president stated on Truth Social that he did not want a pope who criticizes the US president for fulfilling his elected duties.

Backlash from Conservative Allies Prominent conservatives and supporters of the president's base reacted strongly to the AI image.

Conservative pundit Carmine Sabia described the post as reprehensible, emphasizing support for Jesus Christ over any political figure. Megan Basham of The Daily Wire called it outrageous blasphemy and called for an apology. Former US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the image represented more than blasphemy, describing it as an Antichrist spirit.

Candace Owens, who parted ways with the president earlier over the Iran war, warned that the incident would have consequences. Pastor Doug Wilson, affiliated with government officials, said the president needs clearer spiritual guidance after the AI image, which he termed blasphemy.

The backlash highlights fractures within the president's coalition at a time of ongoing challenges from the Iran war.

Explanations and Responses Vice President JD Vance appeared on Fox News' Special Report on Monday and described the president's post as a joke, noting it was removed because many did not understand the humor.

The president told reporters that the image showed himself as a doctor or Red Cross worker and blamed fake news for the interpretation. > "I think the president was posting a joke.