Trump's Divine Rhetoric Sparks Controversy

The former president's religious comparisons raise concerns about the framing of the US-Iran conflict.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:21pm

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A cinematic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting a solitary political figure or setting bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the blurring of the sacred and secular in American politics.As religious rhetoric and imagery become increasingly intertwined with US politics, the framing of the conflict with Iran as a 'holy war' raises concerns about the separation of church and state.Notre Dame Today

Donald Trump has increasingly embraced religious rhetoric, with his spiritual adviser likening his legal troubles to the trials faced by Jesus. This has led some evangelical supporters to question whether Trump sees himself as a 'savior figure' or even the Antichrist. However, experts say Trump is not particularly religious himself and likely did not realize the boundaries he was crossing with an AI-generated image depicting him as Jesus. The rhetoric has also raised concerns that the US-Iran conflict is being framed as a 'holy war' by some military and political leaders.

Why it matters

Trump's use of religious imagery and rhetoric raises questions about the role of faith in US politics and the potential for the framing of the US-Iran conflict as a 'religious war.' This could have significant implications for public support, international relations, and the separation of church and state.

The details

In recent months, Trump has shared an AI-generated image portraying himself as Jesus, which he later defended by claiming he was depicted as a Red Cross worker. His spiritual adviser, Paula White-Cain, has also openly likened Trump's legal troubles and survival of alleged assassination attempts to the trials faced by Jesus. This rhetoric has gone further than previous comparisons of Trump to a 'chosen' or 'divinely appointed' leader. While some evangelical supporters have framed Trump's survival of an assassination attempt in 2024 as 'divine intervention,' experts say Trump himself likely does not have strong religious convictions and may not realize the boundaries he is crossing. The religious framing has also extended to the US-Iran conflict, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calling on Americans to pray for victory 'in the name of Jesus Christ' and using a Pentagon worship service to pray for 'overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.'

  • In March 2026, Trump's spiritual adviser, Paula White-Cain, likened his legal troubles to the trials faced by Jesus during an Easter event at the White House.
  • In April 2026, Trump shared an AI-generated image portraying himself as Jesus, which he later removed after receiving backlash from Christian leaders.
  • Last year, Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as the pope, which was reposted by the official White House account, leading Catholics to warn: 'Do not mock us'.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has increasingly embraced religious rhetoric and imagery, including comparisons to Jesus and the pope.

Paula White-Cain

Trump's longtime spiritual adviser who has openly likened his legal troubles and survival of alleged assassination attempts to the trials faced by Jesus.

Pope Leo XIV

The current pope who has been critical of the war in the Middle East and has rejected offers from Trump to join the Gaza 'Board of Peace' and visit the US for Fourth of July celebrations.

Pete Hegseth

The US Defense Secretary who has framed the conflict in the Middle East as a 'religious war' and called on Americans to pray for victory 'in the name of Jesus Christ.'

Shaun Blanchard

A senior lecturer in theology at the University of Notre Dame who believes Trump has a 'vague belief that he is favoured by a higher power' and sees himself as a 'saviour figure.'

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What they’re saying

“You were betrayed and arrested and falsely accused. It's a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us.”

— Paula White-Cain, Trump's spiritual adviser

“It's more than blasphemy. It's an Antichrist spirit.”

— Marjorie Taylor Greene, Former congresswoman

“God, we might have made a mistake and accidentally elected the Antichrist.”

— Mandy Arthur, Christian influencer

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”

— Pope Leo XIV

“He didn't realise that really posting something that depicts him as pretty unmistakably Jesus Christ was going to be a step too far.”

— David Smith, Associate professor, University of Sydney United States Studies Centre

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Trump's use of religious rhetoric and imagery has raised concerns about the potential for the US-Iran conflict to be framed as a 'holy war,' which could have significant implications for public support, international relations, and the separation of church and state. While some of Trump's evangelical supporters see him as a 'chosen' or 'divinely appointed' leader, experts say Trump himself likely does not have strong religious convictions and may not realize the boundaries he is crossing.