U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked widespread controversy after posting—and later deleting—an AI-generated image on social media.
The incident began when Trump shared a picture on his platform Truth Social showing him wearing a white robe with his hand placed on the forehead of a hospital patient lying in bed. The image depicted him in a Jesus-like or religious saviour-style role, carrying strong religious symbolism. He later said he believed the image showed him as a doctor in connection with the Red Cross, and insisted there was no intention to offend religious sensibilities, leading him to delete the post.
However, the explanation failed to ease the backlash. Several religious leaders and commentators criticised the image as blasphemous, arguing that portraying political figures in religious or messianic imagery was inappropriate. Some U.S. Catholic leaders noted that Trump had previously criticised Pope Leo XIV over the Pope’s opposition to the war on Iran, comments that had already caused tension, and said the image further escalated the dispute.
Pope Leo XIV responded by saying he is “not afraid of the Trump administration” and will continue to speak out on issues of war and peace, emphasising that the Church’s mission is to deliver a message of peace. His remarks were widely seen as a response to Trump’s recent criticisms.
Commentary:
The AI-generated image in some ways reflects Trump’s long-standing political style and self-presentation, placing himself in a near “saviour-like” position with an exaggerated sense of authority and self-importance. Combined with his earlier criticism of the Pope, it can also be interpreted as an extension of his political messaging.
However, religious symbols historically and culturally carry meanings of humility, redemption, and moral restraint. They should not be casually used in a playful manner, nor transformed into tools for personal idolisation or political propaganda.