Charlotte Evangelist Defends Trump Over Controversial AI Image

Franklin Graham says Trump did not intend to depict himself as Jesus Christ.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:52pm

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A cinematic painting of a solitary political figure in a long robe placing their hand on the forehead of a sick person, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the controversy over the use of AI-generated imagery in political discourse.A controversial AI-generated image depicting a political figure in a religious pose sparks backlash and debate over the use of technology in political messaging.Charlotte Today

Charlotte-based evangelist Franklin Graham is defending former President Donald Trump after a controversial AI-generated image shared on social media sparked backlash across political and religious circles. Graham said he does not believe Trump would knowingly depict himself as Jesus Christ, and that the former president removed the post once concerns were raised.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between Trump and religious leaders, as well as concerns about how AI-generated imagery could be misused for political purposes. It also raises questions about how Trump's religious outreach efforts may impact the upcoming midterm elections, particularly among Catholic voters.

The details

The image, originally posted on Truth Social, showed Trump in a long robe placing his hand on a sick man's forehead, with light appearing to radiate from his palms. Surrounding imagery included a nurse, a soldier, and American symbols. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, religious leaders, and even some figures within Trump's political base, called the image offensive and 'blasphemous.' However, Graham pushed back on those interpretations, noting the absence of traditional religious symbols like halos or crosses. Trump later removed the post, saying it had been misinterpreted and that he thought it related to medical care.

  • The image was originally posted on Truth Social last Thursday.
  • Trump removed the post a day later.

The players

Franklin Graham

A Charlotte-based evangelist who is defending former President Donald Trump over the controversial AI-generated image.

Donald Trump

The former president who posted the controversial AI-generated image on Truth Social, which sparked backlash across political and religious circles.

Thom Tillis

The U.S. Senator for North Carolina who said he was willing to take Trump's explanation 'at face value' regarding the image.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

A former U.S. Representative who sharply disagreed with Graham's defense of Trump, saying 'Trump knows what he is doing... and he's not sorry, he never apologized.'

Pope Leo

The first U.S.-born pope, who has criticized a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation in Iran, leading to a broader dispute with Trump.

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What they’re saying

“I do not believe President Trump would knowingly depict himself as Jesus Christ; that would certainly be inappropriate.”

— Franklin Graham, Evangelist

“Trump knows what he is doing... and he's not sorry, he never apologized.”

— Marjorie Taylor Greene, Former U.S. Representative

What’s next

The controversy could distract from key domestic priorities ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, and there are concerns about political fallout among Catholic voters, a group Trump carried in the 2024 election.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between Trump and religious leaders, as well as the potential risks of AI-generated imagery being misused for political purposes. It also raises questions about how Trump's religious outreach efforts may impact the upcoming midterm elections, particularly among Catholic voters.