Pro-Trump Commentator Shocks CNN Panel with Defense of AI Jesus Image: ‘Oh, My God’

On Tuesday, conservative influencer Emily Austin defended President Donald Trump amid backlash over an AI-generated image depicting him in a Christ-like manner. During a CNN panel on “NewsNight,” she argued that Trump did not lie when he claimed he thought the image represented him as a doctor.

Austin's remarks came after Trump deleted the post following widespread criticism. “I don’t think Trump lied about the post, and I’m not here to defend every action that he makes,” she stated, despite being pressed on whether she believed Trump misinterpreted the image.

“I want to clarify that Trump didn’t create that photo,” Austin asserted, addressing fellow panelist Ana Navarro. “The original post was made by Nick Adams months ago, calling Trump the healer of the nation.”

She acknowledged the perception that Trump was portraying himself as Jesus Christ but added, “A, he took it down. B, this isn’t really that surprising to anyone. And C, if the creator of the photo denies that—”

Nick Adams had initially shared the image in February, stating, “America has been sick for a long time. President Trump is healing this nation.” The artwork depicted a robed Trump with his hand on a suffering man while Americans looked on in awe.

When questioned about whether she found the image blasphemous, Austin suggested that Trump did not “intentionally” present himself as Jesus. Former Trump White House deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews pressed further, asking if Austin believed it portrayed him as a doctor.

“Oh, as a healer of the nation?” Austin replied, referencing the creator's intent. Matthews pointed out that neither Adams nor Trump could articulate the symbolism in the image, prompting Austin to concede, “I think he did, and that’s why he deleted it.” She attempted to shift the conversation, claiming there are “bigger things in the world to talk about.”

This pivot did not satisfy fellow panelist Bakari Sellers or host Abby Phillip. Phillip remarked that this “healer of the nation thing” does not “absolve” Trump, noting that the image clearly shows him “dressed like Jesus with an aura around his hands.”

Sellers criticized Trump supporters for their reluctance to admit when Trump is wrong. Austin countered that she has done so “plenty of times,” but Sellers remained unconvinced.

“No, on this,” he insisted. “On this particular issue, Donald Trump was wrong. He should not have done it. It’s not about him taking it down. Have the audacity and courage to call him out and say it was wrong.”

Austin replied, “OK, let me say this: It wasn’t smart to post.”

“Oh, my God,” Sellers exclaimed in response.

Austin reiterated, “He took it — it was wrong to post. He took it down.”