Always playing to the limit has these risks and Trump knows it. The president of the United States removed from his social network Truth Social a controversial image in which he appeared represented as Jesus Christ after numerous criticisms, even from related sectors and figures of conservative Christianity.
The image, generated with artificial intelligence, showed Trump in a white robe with his hand extended on the forehead of a man in a hospital bed, in a scene reminiscent of a miraculous healing. Patriotic symbols such as the American flag, the Statue of Liberty, an eagle, fireworks and military fighter jets appeared around him.
The publication came hours after Trump himself attacked Pope Leo XIV, whom he described as “weak” in terms of security and “terrible” in foreign policy.
The content remained posted for more than 12 hours before being removed. A significant move, since Trump sees retraction as a sign of weakness.
Criticism from your own environment
“This should be removed immediately. There is no context in which this is acceptable,” wrote Sean Feucht, a Christian activist linked to religious events related to the Trump administration.
Along the same lines, Riley Gaines, a conservative political activist, pointed out that “God cannot be mocked” and questioned the meaning of the publication: “I don’t understand why you would publish this. Are you looking for a reaction or do you really think that way?”
Conservative Brilyn Hollyhand also described the image as “grotesque blasphemy” and sent a direct message: “Faith is not an accessory. You don’t need to represent yourself as a savior when your career should speak for itself.”
Other analysts close to the Republican environment were even harsher. “This is blasphemous,” noted Jon Root, while Catholic podcaster Isabel Brown described the post as “disgusting and unacceptable.”
The controversy occurs in the midst of the confrontation between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, who in recent days have exchanged criticism over their positions on war and international politics.
Trump excuses himself
Asked about this at a press conference, Trump indicated that everything is due to a confusion. He assures that from his point of view the image reflects him as a doctor related to the Red Cross. Likewise, he has attributed the references to Jesus Christ to “fake news.”
