'I don't listen to Riley Gaines': Trump slams ex-loyalist after she called him out over Jesus photo

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has responded to Riley Gaines' criticism of his now-deleted AI-generated image, in which he depicted himself similar to Jesus Christ. In reply, Trump stated that he does not listen to Riley Gaines.

After Trump’s now-deleted AI image, Gaines posted on X, saying she does not understand why Trump would share such an image and that “God should not be mocked.”

‘Not a big fan of Riley’: Trump after criticism from MAGA supporter

When asked by CBS News whether Gaines's comments influenced his decision to take the post down, Trump said, "No. I didn’t listen to Riley Gaines. I’m not a big fan of Riley, actually."

When asked further why he deleted the photo, the president said he wouldn’t delete it, but people were “confused.”

“Normally I don't like doing that, but I didn't want to have anybody be confused. People were confused.”

MAGA supporter lashes out at Trump over AI image

Riley Gaines, a major Trump opponent who reportedly once likened those who wish for Trump “to fail” to “domestic terrorists,” took to X to express her disagreement with the post.

“Why?” she wrote. “Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this. 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.”

Trump's post drew backlash not only from opponents but also from his own side, with many calling the move "blasphemous" and unacceptable.

Trump shares his Jesus-like AI image

On April 12, Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself wearing a robe and reviving a sick man with his healing hand while a nurse looked on and an American eagle soared above. There is a lot happening in the image.

In the now-deleted image, Trump was depicted surrounded by divine light, angelic figures, and soldiers. A fighter jet flying in the sky and bursting firecrackers appeared to symbolize the celebration of America’s military strength.

American eagles were flying in the sky with the Statue of Liberty in the distant background.

The scene in the image resembled the biblical account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.

Trump claims image portrayed doctor not Jesus

While speaking with reporters outside the White House on Monday, Trump confirmed that he posted the image and claimed it depicted him as a doctor, not as Jesus.

“I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor — and, had to do with Red Cross, as a Red Cross worker there, which we support,” Trump said.

“And only the fake news could come up with that one. So I just heard about it, and I said, ‘How do they come up with that?’ It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better, and I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”