President Donald Trump on Monday defiantly defended his decision to post – and then delete – an AI-generated image appearing to depict him as Jesus Christ , insisting to reporters that the sacrilegious photo actually showed him as a “doctor” working with the Red Cross.
“I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor,” Trump told reporters in an impromptu Oval Office press conference. “It had to do with Red Cross. There’s a Red Cross worker there, which we support. And only the fake news could come up with that one.”
The image, which went viral Sunday night before being deleted Monday morning, showed Trump in a white robe and red sash , a ball of light in one hand and the other extended in a healing gesture. It was a slightly altered version of a post made months ago by right-wing influencer Nick Adams – whom Trump later appointed as special presidential envoy for American tourism, exceptionalism and values.
“It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better,” Trump added. “And I do make people better. A lot better.”
Posted on Orthodox Easter – Backlash Erupts
The timing of the post – Orthodox Easter , exactly one week after Western Christians celebrated the resurrection – intensified the outrage.
Even some of Trump’s most vocal supporters condemned the image as blasphemous.
“Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this,” wrote Riley Gaines , the conservative activist who has been the administration’s voice on transgender athletes in women’s sports. “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.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene , the former Republican congresswoman who has become increasingly critical of Trump since leaving office, wrote on X: “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. I completely denounce this and I’m praying against it!!!”
GOP Leaders and Allies Join the Chorus
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska), a frequent Trump critic, called the post “gaudy and juvenile.” He added: “I saw a lot of Republicans commenting on it last night. Some saying he’s just trolling, and others saying it’s anti-Christian. When you divide your own party it is self destructive.”
Ari Fleischer , former White House press secretary under George W. Bush and current Fox News contributor, wrote: “It’s inappropriate and embarrassing. It’s offensive.”
Michael Knowles , conservative author and podcaster, urged deletion: “I assume someone has already told him, but it behooves the president both spiritually and politically to delete the picture, no matter the intent.”
Allie Beth Stuckey , conservative Christian commentator, posted a blistering response: “That image is what happens when Paula White is your personal pastor and people around you are continually comparing you to Christ. Trump desperately needs to understand the bad news that precedes the Good News: you are a helpless sinner in desperate need of a Savior.”
Trump to CBS: “I Didn’t Want Anybody to Be Confused”
In a phone interview with CBS News senior correspondent Norah O’Donnell, Trump explained why he took the image down – a rare retreat for a president who typically doubles down.
“Normally I don’t like doing that, but I didn’t want to have anybody be confused,” Trump said. “People were confused.”
When O’Donnell asked if he deleted the post because of Gaines’ criticism, Trump shot back: “I didn’t listen to Riley Gaines. I’m not a big fan of Riley, actually.”
The Post Came Amid Broader War with the Pope
The AI Jesus image was not Trump’s only controversial post Sunday night. He also launched a blistering attack on Pope Leo XIV , the first U.S.-born pontiff, who has repeatedly condemned the U.S.-Israel war in Iran.
Trump called the pope “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” and claimed Leo was only elected because “they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.”
Pope Leo, speaking from his papal plane en route to Algeria, responded: “I will not shy away from announcing the message of the Gospel. Of inviting all people to look for ways of building bridges for peace and reconciliation.”
Conservative Podcaster Warns of Real Political Damage
Erick Erickson , a influential conservative podcaster, wrote on X that the media is missing the real story: “What they really should be paying attention to are the Christian Trump supporters who have stood with him through Iran, who are waking up to his blasphemy.”
The original image was posted months ago by Nick Adams with the caption: “America has been sick for a long time. President Trump is healing this nation.” Trump later appointed Adams as a special envoy.
What Happens Next?
The White House has not indicated whether Trump will face any internal pushback from evangelical advisers, who have long been a cornerstone of his political base. But the unusually public condemnation from conservative media figures and former allies suggests a potential fracture.
With Orthodox Easter now passed and the image deleted, the question remains: Will Trump’s base forgive this as “trolling” – or will they see it as a step too far?
