President Donald Trump is no stranger to posting AI-generated images that spark controversy. From sharing altered images depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama in offensive ways to promoting a luxurious “Trump Gaza” concept amid the ongoing conflict in the region, Trump’s posts have repeatedly drawn backlash for their tone and implications.
This time, however, the president drew heightened criticism after posting a now-deleted AI-generated image in which he appeared dressed as Jesus Christ, seemingly healing a man. The image also featured eagles, fighter jets and figures resembling military personnel flying through the sky.
The backlash was swift and came from across the political spectrum, as the BBC reports, with even some MAGA supporters criticizing Trump for going too far. Celebrities also condemned the post, including White Stripes rocker Jack White, a longtime critic of Trump, who questioned how Christian supporters could continue backing the president.
Taking to Instagram, White shared a screenshot of Trump’s Truth Social post and referenced longstanding evangelical concerns about the Antichrist, suggesting parallels with Trump’s portrayal. He then questioned how any so-called Christian or Catholic could support Trump, citing what he described as repeated attacks on the pope and calling the image blasphemous.
White further criticized Trump, stating that while the president had already secured a reputation as one of the worst presidents in U.S. history, he would go further in labeling him the “worst American of all time.”
The timing of the post added to the controversy. A day earlier, Trump had sharply criticized Pope Leo on Truth Social, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” He also said he did not want a pope who criticizes the president of the United States, emphasizing that he was carrying out his electoral mandate.
Tensions between the two have been ongoing, particularly after the pope criticized U.S. military actions involving Iran and suggested that God does not favor violence. While the pope did not name anyone directly, his remarks were widely interpreted as directed at U.S. leadership.
Trump responded with further criticism on social media and in remarks to CBS News, saying the pope was “wrong on the issues” and should not be involved in politics. The president’s comments also drew criticism from Massimo Faggioli, a scholar of the papacy, who told Reuters that even authoritarian leaders in history had rarely attacked the pope so directly in public.
Conservative influencer Riley Gaines also criticized the AI-generated image on X, questioning Trump’s intent and calling for greater humility, adding that “God shall not be mocked.”
The Knights Templar International similarly expressed disappointment, calling the image offensive and blasphemous and urging Trump to issue a public apology to Christians offended by the depiction.
Following the widespread backlash, Trump deleted the image — a relatively rare move, as he has typically left controversial posts online. However, copies of the image continue to circulate online, along with his earlier comments about the pope.
It remains to be seen whether the controversy will affect Trump’s support among conservative Christian voters at a time when his approval ratings are under scrutiny.