Trump's AI Jesus Post Sparks Backlash from Rosie O'Donnell

Comedian calls for action as former president shares controversial image depicting himself as Jesus

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A surreal, fragmented painting depicting Donald Trump in a robe and crown of thorns, his hands outstretched in a healing gesture, surrounded by overlapping, geometric waves of red, white, and blue, conceptually representing the controversy and divisiveness sparked by the former president's use of AI technology to create a messianic image of himself.A provocative AI-generated image of the former president as a messianic figure has sparked outrage and concern over Trump's continued efforts to cultivate a cult of personality.Los Angeles Today

Rosie O'Donnell has joined the growing chorus of criticism over Donald Trump's recent social media post featuring an AI-generated image of the former president in the attire of Jesus Christ. O'Donnell slammed Trump, saying 'We gotta do something, America' and listing a number of actions by the Trump administration that she finds concerning, including the 'Jesus' post, threats to nuke countries, and the arrest of people. The controversial image depicts Trump appearing to heal a sick man, surrounded by divine light and military imagery.

Why it matters

Trump's use of AI technology to create an image of himself as a messianic figure has raised alarm among his critics, who view it as an attempt to further his own political agenda and cult of personality. The backlash from figures like Rosie O'Donnell highlights the growing concerns over the former president's rhetoric and actions, which many see as a threat to democratic norms and institutions.

The details

The AI-generated image shared by Trump on his Truth Social platform shows the former president dressed in robes and appearing to heal a man, with an American eagle, fighter jets, and fireworks in the background. The scene resembles biblical accounts of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Trump later clarified that in the image, he was playing the role of a doctor, not Jesus. The post has drawn criticism from both political opponents and conservative allies, with many condemning it as an inappropriate and blasphemous use of religious imagery for political purposes.

  • Trump shared the controversial AI image on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who shared the AI-generated image depicting himself as a messianic figure.

Rosie O'Donnell

An American actor and comedian who has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump and has now joined the backlash against his latest controversial social media post.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We gotta do something, America. He just put out a thing that he's Jesus. He's threatening to nuke countries. He's digging up the White House and putting up a Putinesque meets Saudi Arabia ballroom in our White House. He's arresting people, putting them in detention camps. In case of emergency, break glass and pull the fire alarm.”

— Rosie O'Donnell, Comedian and Critic

What’s next

The backlash and criticism over Trump's AI Jesus post is likely to continue, with calls for action and accountability from his political opponents and critics. It remains to be seen how the former president will respond to the growing controversy.

The takeaway

Trump's use of AI technology to create a messianic image of himself has sparked outrage and concern, highlighting the former president's continued efforts to cultivate a cult of personality and push the boundaries of acceptable political discourse. The backlash from figures like Rosie O'Donnell underscores the deep divisions and mistrust that continue to plague American politics in the aftermath of the Trump presidency.