In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump deleted an AI-generated image that depicted him as a Jesus-like figure on April 14, 2026, after facing widespread backlash. The image was posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, where it quickly garnered attention and criticism from various quarters, including conservative commentators.
The immediate circumstances surrounding the post were marked by confusion and outrage. Trump later claimed that the image was intended to portray him as a doctor, stating, “I didn’t want to have anybody be confused. People were confused.” However, this explanation did little to quell the criticism, as many viewed the image as an inappropriate self-aggrandizement.
The backlash was not limited to social media users; notable public figures also weighed in. Jon Stewart criticized Trump for the image, questioning his honesty with the public, while Riley Gaines expressed confusion over why Trump would choose to post such an image. Stephen Colbert remarked on Trump’s unprecedented criticism of Pope Leo XIV, who Trump referred to as “weak” and “terrible for Foreign Policy.” This ongoing feud between Trump and the Pope has been characterized by sharp exchanges over religious and foreign policy issues.
Jimmy Kimmel added a humorous touch to the situation, likening it to a plot from a South Park episode, suggesting that Trump’s attempt to elevate his status to that of a messiah did not resonate well with the Christian community. Kimmel noted, “This little detour into messiah status did not get Trump the reaction he was hoping for from the Christian community.” The image’s deletion is particularly notable given that Trump’s account rarely removes posts, indicating the severity of the backlash.
In the wake of the controversy, Pope Leo XIV issued a statement emphasizing that his messages are not meant as attacks and are centered around peace. He stated, “The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone,” attempting to diffuse the tension surrounding the ongoing feud.
Trump, for his part, defended his actions by claiming he has done more for the Catholic Church than any president in the last hundred years. This assertion, however, did little to mitigate the criticism he faced after the image’s release. The incident has sparked discussions about the intersection of politics and religion, particularly in the context of Trump’s relationship with the Christian community.
As reactions continue to pour in, the controversy surrounding the Trump Jesus image serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in modern political discourse. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of this incident, but it has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Trump’s public image and his relationship with religious communities.