Trump Faces Backlash Over 'Jesus-Like Image,' with Core Supporters Denouncing It as 'Blasphemy'

Conservative Evangelicals Join Criticism Over AI Image Controversy
Trump Explains: "It Was a Doctor, Not Jesus"
Backlash Grows Even Among Core Supporters
Post Deleted Amid Ongoing Conflict with the Pope

U.S. President Donald Trump posted an image on social media that appeared to depict himself in a manner reminiscent of Jesus, but deleted it after facing a wave of criticism about 12 hours later. The controversy has intensified, particularly as backlash has emerged even from his core support base in conservative Christian circles.

On the 12th (local time), President Trump shared an image on his social media platform, Truth Social, depicting himself in a white robe and red cloak, placing his hand on a patient's forehead.

An image reminiscent of Jesus posted by President Trump on Truth Social. Truth Social

The image is believed to have been generated by artificial intelligence (AI) and featured symbols representing the United States, such as the Stars and Stripes, the Statue of Liberty, and a bald eagle. Posted without any explanation, the image immediately sparked controversy. Some critics accused President Trump of likening himself to Jesus, and even figures in the conservative Christian community publicly voiced their opposition.

Conservative writers and podcasters strongly condemned the post as "blasphemy," with some demanding its immediate removal and an apology. Notably, even some of President Trump's own supporters joined in the criticism, signaling internal division.

As the controversy grew, the post was deleted about 12 hours after it was uploaded. Speaking to reporters afterward, President Trump explained, "I understood the figure in the image to be depicted as a doctor, not Jesus," adding, "I thought it was an image symbolizing healing people." He went on to claim, "Interpreting it as Jesus is fake news." However, he did not clearly explain the reason for deleting the post. Local media outlets suggested that the backlash from his core base of conservative evangelicals may have become a political liability.

Pope Leo XIV has indirectly criticized political leaders who incite war, stating that "no war receives God's blessing." Photo by Reuters Yonhap News Agency

This controversy erupted amid tensions between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV. President Trump recently criticized the Pope—who had called for de-escalation of military tensions involving Iran—publicly accusing him of being "weak on crime." In contrast, Pope Leo XIV has indirectly criticized political leaders who incite war, stating that "no war receives God's blessing." The emergence of this latest post in such a context has further fueled controversy, as it is seen as a political use of religious symbolism.

American media highlighted that it is extremely rare for President Trump to delete a social media post, calling this action unusual. President Trump has previously stirred controversy by sharing images depicting himself as religious figures such as the Pope, raising concerns that similar incidents may happen again in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.