Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
Donald Trump is facing rare public criticism from prominent voices on the religious right after posting an AI-generated image that appeared to depict himself in a Christ-like role, prompting accusations of blasphemy and calls for its removal.
The image, shared Sunday night on social media as Trump returned to Washington from Florida, showed the president in a long white robe holding a glowing orb while placing his hand on the head of a man in what resembled a hospital bed. Light appeared to radiate from the man as Trump stood in a pose evocative of religious healing imagery. Patriotic symbols, including an eagle and the Statue of Liberty, filled the background.
The post came shortly after Trump sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV, calling him “too liberal” and saying he was not a fan of the newly elected pontiff. While Trump’s attacks on political and religious figures have often drawn strong reactions, the image marked a notable shift by prompting criticism from some of his core supporters in conservative Christian circles.
Trump has long enjoyed strong backing from evangelical voters and conservative Catholics, many of whom have supported his policies and leadership style. At times, some supporters have portrayed Trump in quasi-messianic terms, though such depictions have typically come from followers rather than the president himself.
Several prominent conservative Christian commentators and influencers condemned the image.
Megan Basham, a well-known Protestant writer, called the post “outrageous blasphemy” and urged Trump to take it down and seek forgiveness.
Isabel Brown, a Catholic commentator affiliated with The Daily Wire, described the image as “disgusting and unacceptable,” arguing it misrepresented a broader religious revival among Americans.
Michael Knowles, another Catholic media figure aligned with Trump, said it “behooves the President both spiritually and politically to delete the picture, no matter the intent.”
Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and frequent Trump ally, also criticized the post, writing that “a little humility would serve him well” and warning that “God shall not be mocked,” referencing scripture.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Trump’s intent in sharing the image.
One administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal reactions, said the backlash was unlikely to last but acknowledged the post crossed a line.
“Other people at these Trump rallies do it for him, but when you do it yourself, it’s sacrilegious at best,” the official said.
The controversy echoes a previous social media incident earlier this year, when Trump shared a video that included a depiction of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. That post was later deleted after drawing widespread criticism.
The latest episode highlights the delicate balance Trump has maintained with religious conservatives, who have been among his most loyal political supporters but have also shown sensitivity to perceived irreverence toward religious figures and symbols.
The image remained online ahead of a scheduled meeting Monday of the administration’s Religious Liberty Commission, a group formed by executive order to advise the White House Faith Office.
Participants are expected to include prominent Christian leaders such as Paula White-Cain, Franklin Graham, Robert Barron and Timothy Dolan.
It remains unclear whether the backlash will have any lasting political impact, but the criticism represents an unusual moment of public dissent from a key segment of Trump’s base.
