Trump Sparks Outrage with AI Image Resembling Jesus
Washington — An AI-generated image shared by President Trump on Truth Social, depicting him in a Jesus-like manner, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, even from some of his staunchest allies. The post was removed from his account by late Monday morning.
The controversial image, reminiscent of one previously shared by right-wing influencer Nick Adams, portrays Trump in a flowing white robe and red sash, holding a glowing orb in one hand while extending the other as if to heal.
This provocative post coincided with Orthodox Easter, just a week after Christians worldwide celebrated the resurrection of Christ. As of Monday morning, Trump had not issued an apology, and the White House remained silent on the matter.
"Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he'd post this," remarked Riley Gaines, a conservative activist known for her stance on transgender athletes. "Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this? Either way, two things are true: 1) a little humility would serve him well; 2) God shall not be mocked."
Cam Higby, a conservative media figure, expressed his discontent on social media: "Blasphemy from the Oval Office is not a funny troll." Meanwhile, Michael Knowles, a conservative author and podcaster, suggested that it would be wise for Trump to delete the image for both spiritual and political reasons.
GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska criticized the post as "foolish," noting the division it caused within the Republican Party. "I saw a lot of Republicans commenting on it last night. Some saying he's just trolling, and others saying it's anti-Christian. When you divide your own party it is self-destructive. To me it was a gaudy and juvenile post."
Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretary under George W. Bush, called the image "inappropriate and embarrassing," labeling it offensive.
Former Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has recently become more critical of Trump, took to social media to denounce the post: "On Orthodox Easter, President Trump attacked the Pope because the Pope is rightly against Trump's war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus. This comes after last week's post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization. I completely denounce this and I'm praying against it!!!"
In response to the uproar, conservative Christian commentator Allie Beth Stuckey shared a meme, stating: "That image is what happens when Paula White is your personal pastor and people around you are continually comparing you to Christ. Trump desperately needs to understand the bad news that precedes the Good News: you are a helpless sinner in desperate need of a Savior, as we all once were."
Conservative podcaster Erick Erickson noted the shift among Christian Trump supporters: "The media is paying attention to podcastistan breaking with Trump over Iran. What they really should be paying attention to are the Christian Trump supporters who have stood with him through Iran, who are waking up to his blasphemy."
This incident followed another post where Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV for his stance against U.S. military actions in Iran. The Pope responded by emphasizing the importance of peace and reconciliation.
When Adams first shared the image of Trump, he claimed: "America has been sick for a long time. President Trump is healing this nation." In March, Trump appointed Adams as special presidential envoy for American tourism, exceptionalism, and values.
