A social media post sparks outrage and is quickly taken down.
U.S. President Donald Trump has deleted an AI-generated image he shared on his social media platform that appeared to depict him as a Jesus-like figure. The post, uploaded late Sunday, drew swift criticism from religious conservatives and some of his political allies, prompting its removal roughly 13 hours later.
The image surfaced amid heightened tensions between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, following the pope’s calls for peace in the ongoing Iran conflict. Trump had earlier criticized the pope’s stance, describing him as weak on crime and foreign policy.
Addressing the controversy on Monday, Trump confirmed he posted the image but denied the interpretation that it portrayed him in a religious light. He said he believed the image showed him as a doctor, possibly linked to humanitarian work such as the Red Cross.
Despite the explanation, backlash intensified online. Prominent conservative voices questioned the intent behind the post and called for humility. Some described the image as offensive and inappropriate, particularly given its religious undertones.
The incident highlights growing divisions within Trump’s support base, especially among faith-driven groups that have traditionally backed him. It also underscores the risks political figures face when sharing AI-generated content without clear context.
The deleted post may be gone, but the reaction it triggered continues to shape the conversation around leadership, religion, and digital responsibility.