[UPDATED — 12:30 p.m. EDT]
President Donald Trump removed a post from his Truth Social account Monday morning after it drew backlash for allegedly portraying him as Jesus Christ healing a sick man.
The image had been shared late Sunday night, shortly after Trump published a separate post criticizing Pope Leo XIV.
[ORIGINAL ARTICLE]
President Donald Trump is facing criticism from some of his most loyal supporters after sharing an AI-generated image portraying himself in a Christ-like role, sparking backlash among religious conservatives.
The image, posted to Truth Social, shows Trump depicted as Jesus, appearing to heal a sick individual while surrounded by followers — imagery critics say draws a direct comparison to the central figure of Christianity.
‘Blasphemy’ Accusations From Supporters
While Trump frequently faces criticism from political opponents, the reaction Monday morning also included pushback from within his own base.
Some prominent conservative commentators and activists described the post as:
- “Blasphemy”
- “Gross” or “unacceptable”
- A misuse of religious imagery for political purposes
The backlash is notable given Trump’s strong support among evangelical Christians, a key part of his political coalition.
Mediaite reported that other prominent right-wing figures also criticized the image, arguing it used Christian art — including depictions of saints, biblical narratives, and religious symbols — for political or personal branding.
Timing Adds to Controversy
The controversy was amplified by the timing of the post, which came during a period of heightened religious observance and shortly after Trump publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV.
Mixed Reaction Across the Right
Despite the backlash, reactions were mixed.
Some supporters defended the post as satire or consistent with Trump’s provocative communication style. Others dismissed the criticism as overblown, pointing to past tensions between Trump and the pope over policy differences.
Still, the episode highlights rare divisions within Trump’s base, particularly among religious conservatives sensitive to the use of Christian imagery.
Pattern of Provocative Messaging
Trump has long used social media to share memes and controversial content, often generating widespread attention and debate.
This latest incident underscores the tension between political messaging and cultural sensitivity, especially as Trump continues to rely on direct communication with supporters during a high-stakes political cycle.
Political Impact Unclear
It remains unclear whether the backlash will have lasting political consequences.
Trump continues to command strong support among Republican voters, but episodes like this can test the boundaries of that support — particularly among more lukewarm backers who played a key role in his return to the White House.
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Big question, did Trump post this, or did one of his millions & millions of the Trump haters?