US President Donald Trump has deleted an AI-generated image he shared on Truth Social that depicted him in a messianic role, following widespread criticism, including from sections of his Christian support base.
Gatekeepers News reports that the now-deleted image, posted earlier on Monday, showed Trump in a flowing white robe, extending a glowing hand to heal a sick man in a hospital bed—imagery widely interpreted as a portrayal of Jesus Christ. The scene also featured symbolic elements such as the Statue of Liberty, a large American flag, fighter jets, an eagle, a praying woman, a nurse, and a soldier.
Despite the backlash, Trump defended the post, saying it was intended to depict him in a healing role.
“I do make people better. I make people a lot better,” he told reporters, declining to apologise.
The controversy comes shortly after Trump criticised Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, who had condemned US and Israeli military actions in Iran as “absurd and inhuman violence.” The pontiff, currently on a tour of Africa, responded that he has “no fear” of the Trump administration and would continue to speak the message of the Gospel.
Backlash from Conservative Allies
The post drew swift condemnation from prominent conservative and Christian figures, including Sean Feucht, who called for its immediate removal.
“This should be deleted immediately. There’s no context where this is acceptable,” Feucht wrote on X.
Similarly, David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network said the image “goes too far” and “crosses the line,” noting that supporters could back Trump’s agenda without endorsing such portrayals.
Some of Trump’s loyal supporters also expressed discomfort, describing the image as inappropriate and crossing a religious boundary.
Pattern of Controversial Posts
This is not the first controversy linked to Trump’s Truth Social account. In February, an AI-generated clip depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama in a racist manner was posted and later removed after public outrage.
