Trump Defends AI Image Depicting Him as Christ-Like Figure

The former president claims the controversial image was meant to show him as a 'doctor' healing people, not as Jesus.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, showing a solitary figure in a white robe and red sash standing in a dimly lit, urban setting, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the controversy surrounding the former president's use of AI-generated imagery.The former president's controversial use of AI-generated imagery to depict himself in a Christ-like pose has sparked outrage and debate.Washington Today

Former President Donald Trump admitted to posting an AI-generated image on his Truth Social account that depicted him in a Christ-like pose, wearing a white robe and red sash. However, Trump claimed the image was meant to show him as a 'doctor' healing people, not as Jesus Christ. The post drew immediate outrage from some of Trump's own right-wing supporters who accused him of blasphemy. Trump also recently criticized Pope Leo XIV, calling him 'weak on crime' and saying he does not want the pope leading the Roman Catholic Church due to their political differences.

Why it matters

The controversial AI-generated image and Trump's subsequent defense of it highlight the former president's continued willingness to push boundaries and court controversy, even among his own base. It also underscores the ongoing tensions between Trump and the Catholic Church leadership, particularly over issues of politics and social policy.

The details

The AI-generated image, which has since been removed from Trump's Truth Social account, showed the former president wearing what appeared to be a white robe and red sash, similar to depictions of Jesus Christ after his resurrection. The image was posted on Orthodox Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Trump claimed the image was meant to depict him as a 'doctor' making people 'better', not as Jesus. However, the clothing and pose in the image are commonly associated with Christ-like imagery, leading to accusations of blasphemy from some of Trump's supporters.

  • The AI-generated image was posted to Trump's Truth Social account on Orthodox Easter (April 13, 2026).
  • Trump's comments defending the image were made at the White House on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who posted the controversial AI-generated image and defended it as depicting him as a 'doctor' rather than as Jesus Christ.

Pope Leo XIV

The current pope of the Roman Catholic Church, who Trump has criticized as being 'weak on crime' and said he does not want leading the church due to their political differences.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I did post it and I thought it was me as a doctor. Only the fake news could come up with that one.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“I will continue to speak out strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems.”

— Pope Leo XIV, Pope

What’s next

The former president's use of AI-generated imagery and his continued criticism of the Catholic Church leadership are likely to continue generating controversy and debate. It remains to be seen how Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican will respond to Trump's latest attacks.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the former president's willingness to push boundaries and court controversy, even among his own supporters. It also underscores the ongoing tensions between Trump and the Catholic Church leadership, particularly over issues of politics and social policy.