US President Donald Trump today deleted a social media image that appeared to depict him as Jesus, following strong criticism from religious leaders who described the post as blasphemous.
The image, which Trump shared on his platform Truth Social, showed the president wearing flowing red and white robes while touching the forehead of a man who appeared ill. Light radiated from his hand and head, while an American flag waved in the background, and several figures looked on in reverence. The artificial intelligence-generated picture was posted late Sunday and removed the following day, after public backlash intensified.
Trump Denies Religious Intent Behind Image
Speaking to reporters, Trump rejected claims that the image portrayed him as Jesus Christ. Instead, he said the depiction showed him acting as a doctor.
“I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do Red Cross,” Trump stated. “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 his explanation, the post triggered criticism from several prominent conservative Christian voices, many of whom have traditionally supported Trump’s political leadership. Critics argued that the imagery crossed religious boundaries and risked offending believers.
Religious Allies Voice Strong Objections
Among those who condemned the post was conservative commentator Megan Basham, who publicly questioned the president’s judgment in a message shared on the social media platform X.
She called the image “outrageous blasphemy” and urged Trump to remove the post and seek forgiveness from both the public and God. The incident highlighted growing sensitivity among religious communities regarding the use of sacred imagery in political messaging.
Trump has previously incorporated religious symbolism into public communications. During his 2023 bank fraud trial, he shared artwork from a supporter that depicted him sitting beside Jesus in a courtroom setting. Additionally, at a recent White House Easter gathering, televangelist Paula White-Cain compared Trump’s legal challenges to the suffering of Jesus, reinforcing religious themes within his political narrative.
