Trump Flaunts Preacher's Prayer Wish After Week of Blasphemy

The former president posted a letter from evangelical leader Franklin Graham after facing backlash for AI-generated images depicting himself as Jesus.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:21pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting featuring overlapping, repeated images of Donald Trump's head and the figure of Jesus Christ, rendered in a bold, abstract style with clashing colors and geometric shapes, conceptually representing the former president's controversial religious stunts.The former president's attempts to court evangelical voters have taken a bizarre turn, sparking backlash over his self-aggrandizing religious imagery.Washington Today

Donald Trump, 79, posted a letter from his favorite evangelical preacher, Franklin Graham, on Sunday in an apparent attempt to reinforce his Christian credentials after a week of religious missteps. This included posting bizarre AI-generated images of himself as Jesus, which drew backlash even from his MAGA loyalists. Trump has also been feuding with Pope Leo XIV over Iran policy and other issues.

Why it matters

Trump's recent religious stunts and feuds with Christian leaders highlight the former president's ongoing efforts to maintain support from his evangelical base, which remains a crucial part of the Republican coalition. However, his actions have also sparked criticism from some religious figures, potentially complicating his political ambitions.

The details

In one of several religious missteps, Trump posted a bizarre AI-generated image of himself as Jesus earlier this month, drawing backlash even from MAGA loyalists before it was taken down. He later insisted he thought it showed him as a doctor. Trump also posted another AI-generated image to his social media last week of himself next to Jesus, with the two men in a close embrace. Additionally, Trump has been feuding with Pope Leo XIV, unleashing late-night rants and making false claims about the pope's stance on Iran.

  • Trump posted the letter from Franklin Graham on Sunday, April 7, 2026.
  • Trump posted the AI-generated image of himself as Jesus earlier in April 2026.
  • Trump posted the AI-generated image of himself next to Jesus last week in April 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former president of the United States who is attempting to maintain support from his evangelical base.

Franklin Graham

The top evangelical preacher and son of Billy Graham, who wrote a fawning letter to Trump that the former president posted on social media.

Pope Leo XIV

The current pope, who has been feuding with Trump over the former president's statements about Iran policy and other issues.

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What they’re saying

“I am praying for you today—for God to guide and direct your decisions. I know that millions of people, not only in our country, but all around the world are praying as well.”

— Franklin Graham, Evangelical Preacher

“I'd say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

— Donald Trump

“The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!!!”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.