Trump Posts AI Image Depicting Himself as Jesus, Sparking Backlash

The controversial image was shared on Orthodox Easter, drawing criticism from both supporters and opponents.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:44pm

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A cinematic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, showing a solitary political figure in a white robe and red sash, holding a ball of light, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the controversy surrounding the AI-generated image of President Trump.The controversial AI-generated image depicting President Trump in the likeness of Jesus Christ has sparked intense backlash, raising questions about the responsible use of such technology in the political sphere.Washington Today

President Trump's Sunday night Truth Social post showing an AI-generated image appearing to depict him in the likeness of Jesus Christ sparked intense backlash, even from some of his most vocal supporters. The image, a slightly altered version of one posted months ago by right-wing influencer Nick Adams, shows the president in a white robe and red sash with a ball of light in one hand and the other hand extended in healing. The president's post came on Orthodox Easter, and exactly one week after other Christians in the U.S. and around the world celebrated Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Why it matters

The controversial image has drawn criticism from a wide range of political figures, including some of Trump's own supporters, who have called it inappropriate, embarrassing, and offensive. The post also comes amid ongoing tensions between Trump and the Pope over the U.S. war efforts in Iran.

The details

The image, a slightly altered version of one posted months ago by right-wing influencer Nick Adams, shows the president in a white robe and red sash with a ball of light in one hand and the other hand extended in healing. The president's post came on Orthodox Easter, and exactly one week after other Christians in the U.S. and around the world celebrated Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday. As of Monday morning, the president has not apologized for the image, nor has he taken it down.

  • The image was posted on Trump's Truth Social account on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The post came on Orthodox Easter, one week after other Christians celebrated Easter Sunday.

The players

President Trump

The former president who posted the controversial AI-generated image depicting himself in the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Nick Adams

A right-wing influencer who originally posted the image that Trump later shared on his Truth Social account.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope who has been critical of the United States' war efforts in Iran, prompting a response from Trump in another social media post.

Riley Gaines

A conservative activist who has been the administration's voice on the topic of transgender athletes in women's sports, and who criticized Trump's post.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

A former Republican Congresswoman who has become increasingly critical of Trump after leaving office, and who also criticized his post.

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What they’re saying

“Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he'd post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this? Either way, two things are true. 1) a little humility would serve him well 2) God shall not be mocked.”

— Riley Gaines, Conservative activist

“Blasphemy from the Oval Office is not a funny troll.”

— Cam Higby, Conservative media figure

“I assume someone has already told him, but it behooves the president both spiritually and politically to delete the picture, no matter the intent.”

— Michael Knowles, Conservative author and podcaster

“It's inappropriate and embarrassing. It's offensive.”

— Ari Fleischer, Fox News contributor and former White House press secretary

“On Orthodox Easter, President Trump attacked the Pope because the Pope is rightly against Trump's war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus. This comes after last week's post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization. I completely denounce this and I'm praying against it!!”

— Marjorie Taylor Greene, Former Republican Congresswoman

What’s next

The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the controversial image, and it remains to be seen whether President Trump will address the backlash or remove the post.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and divisions within the Republican party, as well as the broader political and cultural debates surrounding the role of religion in public life. It also raises questions about the responsible use of AI technology and the potential for such images to be misused for political purposes.