Ricketts and Grassley Weigh In on President's Religious Controversies

Senators comment on Trump's deleted social media post and criticism of the Pope

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:25pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government podium, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, evoking a sense of solemnity and contemplation around the intersection of religion and politics.The president's religious rhetoric sparks debate over the appropriate boundaries between faith and politics.Omaha Today

Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts and Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley have responded to recent controversies involving President Trump's religious statements and social media activity. Ricketts said he was glad Trump removed a post that seemed to depict the president as Jesus, stating 'there's only one Jesus Christ.' Grassley said religious matters should be left to individuals to decide for themselves.

Why it matters

The president's religious comments and social media posts have sparked debate and controversy, raising questions about the appropriate role of religion in politics and the president's judgment in making such statements.

The details

In a now-deleted social media post, an AI-generated image appeared to depict President Trump as Jesus Christ. Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts said he was glad the president removed the post, stating 'there's only one Jesus Christ who is the savior for the world.' Separately, President Trump has criticized Pope Francis, prompting Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley to say he believes in freedom of religion and that such matters should be left to individuals.

  • The social media post in question was shared and then deleted by President Trump.

The players

Pete Ricketts

A Republican senator from Nebraska who commented on President Trump's deleted social media post.

Chuck Grassley

A Republican senator from Iowa who commented on President Trump's criticism of the Pope.

President Trump

The president whose recent religious statements and social media activity have sparked controversy.

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What they’re saying

“There is only one Jesus Christ who is the savior for the world and I'm glad that the president took down that picture with the confusion that that was causing over what the president meant with that. And so I think the president should continue to remember that there's only one Jesus Christ.”

— Pete Ricketts, Senator

“I think it's pretty much a private matter that should be left just to individuals to make that decision for themselves.”

— Chuck Grassley, Senator

The takeaway

The president's religious statements and social media activity have sparked debate over the appropriate role of religion in politics and the president's judgment in making such controversial comments.