Trump Deletes AI 'Jesus' Image After Blasphemy Backlash and Feud with Pope Leo XIV

HARARE — US President Donald Trump has removed a controversial AI-generated image from his Truth Social platform that depicted him as a Christ-like figure, following a wave of condemnation from his own religious base and a mounting public feud with Pope Leo XIV.

The now-deleted post surfaced late Sunday, showing Trump in white robes with a glowing hand placed on the forehead of a man in a hospital bed, a scene strikingly similar to classical depictions of Jesus healing the sick. The background featured a surreal mix of the Statue of Liberty, fighter jets, and an eagle, set against a backdrop of a praying nurse and a soldier.

While the White House initially remained silent, the backlash from prominent conservative and Christian figures was swift. Sean Feucht, a Christian activist and worship leader, took to social media to demand the post's removal. "This should be deleted immediately," Feucht wrote. "There's no context where this is acceptable." Former MAGA ally and activist Riley Gaines echoed the sentiment, stating, "God shall not be mocked... a little humility would serve him well." Even within religious media, the critique was sharp. David Brody, a journalist with the Christian Broadcasting Network, noted that while supporters may back Trump’s mission, this image "crosses the line."

Confronted by reporters at the White House, President Trump denied any religious intent, claiming he viewed the image as a secular tribute to healthcare.

"I did post it. And I thought it was me as a doctor," Trump told reporters. "It's supposed to be like a doctor making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better."

He later told CBS News he removed the post because "people were confused," though he stopped short of an apology.

The controversy erupted just hours after Trump launched a verbal broadside against Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff. The Pope has become a vocal critic of the ongoing US-Israeli military operation in Iran, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," which saw a 40-day campaign of strikes aimed at Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Trump labeled the Pope "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy" on Truth Social, suggesting the pontiff was "catering to the radical left." Responding from the papal plane, Pope Leo XIV remained steadfast. 

"I have no fear of the Trump administration," the Pope said. "I will continue to speak out loudly about the message of the Gospel... 'Blessed are the peacemakers.'"

Trump Truth Social Jesus post