Trump posts, then deletes AI image depicting himself as Jesus after backlash from Christians

President Donald Trump posted and later deleted an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated image depicting himself performing a Christ-like healing after it prompted swift backlash from Christians as it spread online.

The image, which the President shared late April 12 on his Truth Social platform, showed him in white robes with a red sash, bathed in light and touching the head of a man in a hospital bed, evoking traditional depictions of Jesus healing the sick. The scene featured patriotic imagery, such as U.S. flags, fighter jets, and the Statue of Liberty, along with onlookers, including a nurse, a praying woman, and a uniformed soldier.

The post came less than an hour after Trump published an extraordinary public rebuke of Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the Pontiff’s comments on the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and questioning his leadership and motives. 

>> Trump issues blistering rebuke of Pope Leo in lengthy social media post << 

The image appeared to be a modified version of pro-Trump AI artwork first posted Feb. 4 by Nick Adams, the special presidential envoy for American tourism, exceptionalism, and values.

In Adams’ original post, which was also deleted the same morning, figures of soldiers appeared in the clouds. In the version Trump shared, those figures were edited to resemble demonic forms, depicting Trump as a divine light standing against the forces of evil. 

The image was posted on Orthodox Easter Sunday, adding a layer of offense for many Christian observers. Screenshots spread rapidly across social media platforms, drawing immediate condemnation from Christians.

The backlash even extended to the comments on Trump's Truth Social post itself. Truth Social users who interact with Trump’s posts on the platform typically support the President. In this case, many users criticized the post as blasphemous or “delusional,” saying it cost him their support.

The image was removed by the morning of April 13, roughly 12 hours after it first appeared. The White House did not issue a formal explanation for its deletion.

Trump denies religious intent

Speaking to reporters outside the Oval Office on April 13, Trump acknowledged posting the image but denied that it portrayed him as a religious figure.

“It wasn't a depiction. I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do with Red Cross, a Red Cross worker there, which we support,” Trump said. “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better.” 

He dismissed interpretations of the image as religious as “fake news.”

Trump says he owes no apology to Pope Leo

During the same exchange with reporters outside the Oval Office at the White House, Trump was asked whether he owed Pope Leo an apology after his post criticizing the Pontiff. 

“No, I don’t, because Pope Leo said things that are wrong,” Trump said. “He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran.” 

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” Trump said. “He’s wrong.”