Trump sparks backlash from religious allies for Christ-like AI image and papal feud

President Donald Trump sparked widespread backlash after posting an AI-generated image on Truth Social depicting himself in a flowing white and red robe, appearing to heal a dying man with a gesture reminiscent of Jesus Christ. The captionless image, shared on Sunday, April 12, drew immediate condemnation even from right-wing Christian figures and MAGA allies, who labeled it blasphemous. According to reports from Fast Company and The Independent, Trump later deleted the post and claimed it actually portrayed him as a doctor, though the original imagery clearly evoked religious iconography.

The controversial post came amid an escalating public feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff. Trump unleashed a tirade on Truth Social, slamming the Pope as "weak" on crime and terrible on foreign policy, while boasting that "if I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican." This outburst followed Leo's recent criticism of Trump's threats to "destroy Iran’s whole civilization" during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which the Pope called "truly unacceptable," as detailed in Time magazine coverage. Leo responded defiantly on Monday, stating he had "no fear" of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly.

Even Trump's core supporters appeared unsettled by the Jesus imagery, marking a rare moment of pushback from his base. Right-wing Christian leaders and MAGA influencers condemned the post as inappropriate, highlighting tensions between Trump's provocative style and the religious sensibilities of his evangelical followers. The Independent reported that this incident unfolded as Trump ordered McNuggets via DoorDash in a bizarre follow-up event, further amplifying perceptions of erratic behavior.

Polling data underscores the broader stakes. CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten noted Trump's approval ratings "dropping down into the Dead Sea," particularly underwater among American Catholics who overwhelmingly backed him in the 2024 election. A new NBC News poll shows Pope Leo XIV faring better, with 41% positive favorability compared to Trump's net negative of -12 (41% positive vs. 53% negative). Enten suggested Trump might be "jealous" of Leo's stronger standing.

This clash matters deeply in a polarized America, where religious imagery and papal influence intersect with politics. Catholics, a key voting bloc, now show shifting loyalties, potentially complicating Trump's agenda on issues like foreign policy and crime. The Pope's vocal stance on the Iran conflict adds international weight, positioning the Vatican as a countervoice to U.S. hawkishness.

What happens next remains unclear, but the deleted post and ongoing salvos signal deepening rifts. Trump has not issued further clarification on the image, while Leo's fearless retorts suggest the feud could intensify. For Trump's supporters grappling with the blasphemy accusations and for Catholics weighing their allegiance, this episode tests loyalties at a time of global tension and domestic division.