United States: Not content to criticize the pope, Trump also briefly sees himself as Christ

After the divine protection following an assassination attempt against him in July 2024 during the presidential campaign, Donald Trump has once again made headlines. An image generated by artificial intelligence showing the President of the United States in a pose inspired by Jesus has sparked controversy across the Atlantic, leading the president to delete it on Monday from his Truth Social network.

Broadcast on Sunday, the illustration echoed the codes of Christian painting, with Donald Trump draped in a red and white toga, a halo of light, placing his hand on the forehead of a man lying down, surrounded by patriotic elements like eagles, a combat plane, or the Statue of Liberty.

No religious intention according to Trump

Facing criticism, the American president rejected any religious intention. “It was not a representation. It was me. I posted it, and I thought it was me,” he said, adding, “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, taking care of people. And I take care of people a lot.”

This publication came shortly after a verbal attack by Pope Leon XIV, who criticized the war in Iran. In response, Donald Trump lashed out at the pontiff, stating that he didn’t want a pope who criticizes him. On Monday, the American president reiterated that he would not apologize, calling the head of the Catholic Church “very weak.”

Strong reaction from conservative religious circles

The reaction was immediate in conservative religious circles. Former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene denounced the image as “more than blasphemy,” evoking “an antichrist spirit,” suggesting that the president “posted a photo of himself as if he were taking the place of Jesus.”

Other voices, including writer Megan Basham, also denounced the “outrageous blasphemy,” calling for the message to be removed, while Pope Leon XIV himself had previously stated, “Enough of idolatry of the self and money! Enough of displays of power! Enough of war!” in a context of heightened tensions around the war with Iran.