Trump shares AI image portraying himself as Jesus, calls Pope Leo ‘weak’ over peace stance
US President Donald Trump has posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ, intensifying his criticism of Pope Leo XIV.
The image, shared on Truth Social, shows Trump in flowing robes surrounded by radiant light, appearing to perform a healing as figures resembling angels or soldiers float nearby. Fighter jets streak across the sky, fireworks explode above, and the Statue of Liberty stands in the background, blending religious imagery with symbols of American power.
The post comes amid Trump’s growing criticism of the pope, whom he described as “weak on crime” and ineffective on foreign policy following the pontiff’s calls for an end to escalating global conflicts.
In a series of posts, Trump accused Pope Leo of failing to address what he described as threats facing religious institutions during the COVID-19 period, while also faulting his positions on nuclear weapons and recent US military actions.
He further alleged that the pope’s emergence was politically influenced, claiming he was chosen because he is American and could serve as a counterbalance to his administration.
Trump also told reporters he is “not a fan” of the pope, describing him as overly liberal and ineffective in leadership.
The remarks followed statements by Pope Leo during evening prayers at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where he urged world leaders to pursue peace and reject what he termed a growing “delusion of omnipotence” driving global conflicts.
The pope has consistently called for dialogue over war, warning against invoking religion to justify violence and condemning ongoing conflicts involving major global powers.
Tensions between Trump and Pope Leo have been building since the pontiff’s election in 2025 as the first American pope. Although Trump initially welcomed the development, their relationship has since deteriorated over disagreements on migration, war, and global diplomacy.
The latest post adds to a series of provocative social media actions by Trump, including a similar AI-generated image shared in 2025 in which he portrayed himself as a pope.
