United States President has deleted a controversial artificial intelligence-generated image portraying himself in a manner resembling , following widespread criticism from religious leaders and conservative Christian supporters.
The image, which was shared on Trump’s Truth Social platform late Sunday, depicted the president dressed in flowing red and white robes, appearing to heal a sick individual while light radiated from his hand and head.
An American flag was visible in the background as several figures looked on in apparent reverence.
The post was taken down on Monday after it triggered strong reactions, particularly among conservative Christian groups considered part of Trump’s core support base.
Responding to questions from journalists, Trump denied that the image was intended to represent him as Jesus Christ.
“I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do Red Cross,” he said.
“It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”
Despite the explanation, the post sparked outrage among religious commentators.
Conservative journalist Megan Basham criticised the image, describing it as deeply inappropriate.
“I don’t know if the President thought he was being funny or if he is under the influence of some substance or what possible explanation he could have for this OUTRAGEOUS blasphemy,” she wrote, calling on him to remove it and seek forgiveness.
This is not the first time Trump has been associated with religious imagery. During his 2023 bank fraud trial, he shared a supporter’s sketch depicting him seated beside Jesus in a courtroom.
His allies have also, at times, drawn parallels between his political experiences and biblical narratives.
At an Easter event earlier this month, his spiritual adviser, , likened his political challenges to those faced by Jesus, stating: “You were betrayed and arrested and falsely accused. It’s a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us.”
Analysts suggested Trump has increasingly embraced rhetoric portraying his political journey in near-messianic terms, particularly following the assassination attempt he survived in July 2024.
Speaking after his election victory, Trump told supporters that many believed his survival had a higher purpose.
“Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason, and that reason was to save our country and to restore America to greatness,” he said.
Matthew Taylor, a scholar at Georgetown University’s Center on Faith and Justice, noted that the controversy could deepen divisions within Trump’s support base, especially among Catholic voters already uneasy over his criticism of the Pope.
“A lot of right-wing supporters were already pushing back against the war in Iran.
”The rift was already emerging for a lot of his Catholic base, and with the denunciations of Pope Leo this does threaten to alienate that crowd,” Taylor said.
However, historian Kristin du Mez suggested that while some supporters may disapprove of the imagery, it is unlikely to significantly erode Trump’s core backing.
His conservative Christian base, she said, appears to recognise the act as inappropriate but remains largely steadfast in its political support.
“Yes, blasphemy is bad, this is inappropriate, he should take this down,” she noted, adding that there is little indication of any broader withdrawal of support.
