Trump Clarifies Controversial AI Image, Claims It Depicts Him as a Healer
President Donald Trump confirmed he shared an AI-generated image that sparked significant debate, asserting it was intended to portray him “as a doctor” rather than as a religious icon.
“I did post it and I thought it was me as a doctor,” he stated during a press interaction at the White House on Monday. “Only the fake news could come up with that one,” he added, dismissing the criticism.
The contentious image, which has since been deleted from his Truth Social account, depicted Trump in a white robe and red sash, seemingly performing a healing gesture. This attire is often linked to traditional representations of Jesus Christ following his resurrection.
Notably, the image was shared on Orthodox Easter, a day commemorating the resurrection of Jesus, which intensified the backlash.
“I said, how did they come up with that? It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better, and I do make people better. I do make people a lot better,” Trump reiterated to reporters, defending his intentions.
The post incited immediate backlash from some of his right-wing supporters, who labeled it as blasphemous.
This incident followed Trump's recent criticisms of Pope Leo XIV, whom he described as “weak on crime” in a social media post over the weekend. Trump expressed his discontent with the pope's leadership of the Roman Catholic Church due to their differing political views.
“Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. He wasn’t on any list to be Pope and was only put there by the Church because he was an American. They thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump. If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump remarked.
This personal critique comes in light of the first U.S.-born pope's recent comments regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Pope Leo XIV responded on Monday, stating he is “not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.”
“I will continue to speak out strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems,” he asserted when questioned about Trump's remarks.
