Trump's Christ-like Image Vanishes from Social Media Amid Backlash
A striking image of Donald Trump, portraying him as a Christ-like figure, has vanished from his social media platform after facing intense backlash, including disapproval from some of his own supporters.
The controversial post, which surfaced on Sunday night, featured Trump in a flowing robe, his hand resting on the forehead of a man lying in bed. An ethereal glow enveloped the man's head, while Trump held an orb of light in his other hand. The backdrop included symbols of American patriotism, such as the American flag and the Statue of Liberty.
When questioned by a reporter on Monday about the image, Trump responded, "I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do with Red Cross." He dismissed the comparisons to Jesus, stating, "Only the fake news could come up with that one. How did they come up with that?"
The White House has yet to comment on the removal of the post. In a subsequent interview, Trump elaborated on his decision to delete the image. “Normally I don’t like doing that, but I didn’t want to have anybody be confused,” he explained. “People were confused.”
This incident followed Trump's critical remarks about Pope Leo XIV, whom he labeled “WEAK on Crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy” on Truth Social. The pope retorted that he had “no fear of the Trump administration.” When asked if he would apologize to the pope, Trump firmly replied, "No, I don't, because Pope Leo said things that are wrong." He reiterated his stance on Iran, emphasizing that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable.
The image sparked immediate outrage from various factions, including conservatives who typically support Trump. Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene described the post as embodying "an Antichrist spirit," while conservative activist Riley Gaines expressed her confusion over Trump's intentions. "Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this?" she questioned on X. "Either way, two things are true: 1) a little humility would serve him well 2) God shall not be mocked."
Comments on Truth Social reflected similar sentiments, with one user demanding the removal of the photo and an apology to Christians for what they deemed mockery. This comment received over 9,000 likes.
Trump has previously shared images and videos that appear to be AI-generated. Last year, he posted an AI-created image of himself as pope, which also drew ire from Catholics mourning the recent death of Pope Francis.
In past statements, Trump has made comparisons between himself and Jesus. During an Easter luncheon earlier this year, he remarked, “On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem as crowds welcomed him with praise, honoring him as king. They call me king now. Can you believe it?” He also referenced Jesus’ betrayal, saying, "He was really betrayed. We know the feeling." Many in attendance could relate to his sentiments.
