Trump Deletes AI-Generated Image Amid Backlash Over Pope Criticism

President Donald Trump has deleted an AI-generated image from his Truth Social account that depicted him in a Christ-like pose, following significant backlash from religious leaders and conservative figures. The image, posted on Sunday, showed Trump in a white robe with a red sash, placing his hand on a man's head in a scene resembling a healing. Critics, including some of Trump's supporters, labeled the post as blasphemous and inappropriate. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Republican congresswoman, captured a screenshot of the post before it was deleted and stated, "I completely denounce this and I’m praying against it!!!"

In response to the criticism, Trump told reporters that the image was intended to portray him as a doctor, not as a religious figure. "It's supposed to be me as a doctor making people better," he said.

The controversy coincides with escalating tensions between Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the U.S.-Israel war in Iran. On Sunday, Trump criticized the pope on social media, calling him "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy." Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pontiff, has been vocal in his opposition to the conflict, urging world leaders to cease hostilities and negotiate peace. In a recent speech, he condemned the "delusion of omnipotence" fueling the war.

The incident has further strained Trump's relationship with religious conservatives, a key segment of his political base. While some far-right figures dismissed the outrage, others within the Christian community viewed the image as crossing a line.