United States President Donald Trump has deleted a social media post that appeared to portray him in a Christ-like image, following criticism from religious leaders who accused him of blasphemy.
The image, originally posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform late Sunday, appeared to be AI-generated and showed the president wearing flowing red and white robes, placing his hand on a sick man while a glowing light emanated from him. A United States flag was seen in the background, with several figures appearing to look on in reverence.
The post was removed on Monday after drawing widespread attention and backlash. Critics said the imagery was offensive and inappropriate, with some conservative Christian figures — traditionally part of Trump’s support base — expressing strong disapproval.
Responding to questions from reporters, Trump denied that the post was intended to depict him as Jesus Christ. He said the image was meant to show him as a doctor and referenced healing symbolism.
“I posted it, and I thought it showed me as a doctor and something to do with the Red Cross,” he said, adding that the intention was to portray healing and positive impact.
The controversy was further amplified on social media, where critics and commentators questioned the appropriateness of the post. One conservative commentator, Megan Basham, described it as a serious religious insult and called for it to be removed and for an apology to be issued.
This is not the first time Trump has used religious imagery in public posts. In previous instances, he has shared illustrations and depictions that place him in symbolic or reverent contexts, including a courtroom sketch showing him alongside Jesus.
His close allies have also occasionally drawn parallels between Trump and religious figures, a narrative that has continued to spark debate in US political and religious circles.
The incident has once again highlighted the sensitivity surrounding religious symbolism in political communication, particularly when amplified through AI-generated imagery on social media platforms.
