Trump quietly deletes AI Jesus image after 'blasphemy' storm from his own side
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is facing widespread criticism after sharing an AI-generated image appearing to depict himself in the likeness of Lord Jesus Christ.
The post, shared on Truth Social on Sunday, April 12, drew backlash from political allies, conservative commentators, and religious figures.
The image quickly circulated online, prompting debate over its appropriateness.
Conservatives criticize Trump's post as inappropriate and offensive
The image, which shows Trump in a white robe with a red sash and a glowing orb in one hand, resembles traditional depictions of Lord Jesus Christ. It was a modified version of an earlier post by a right-wing influencer and was later shared by Trump.
The response was immediate, including criticism from some of Trump’s own supporters. Conservative activist Riley Gaines wrote, “Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he'd post this,” adding, “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.”
Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he'd post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this?
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) April 13, 2026
Either way, two things are true.
1) a little humility would serve him well
2) God shall not be mocked https://t.co/GViHqWeDEr
Other conservative voices also criticized the post.
“Blasphemy from the Oval Office is not a funny troll,” commentator Cam Higby said.
Author and podcaster Michael Knowles wrote, “I assume someone has already told him, but it behooves the president both spiritually and politically to delete the picture, no matter the intent.”
I assume someone has already told him, but it behooves the President both spiritually and politically to delete the picture, no matter the intent.
— Michael Knowles (@michaeljknowles) April 13, 2026
Republican Congressman Don Bacon described the post as “a gaudy and juvenile post,” adding, “I know he's trying to be funny, but it was a foolish post.”
Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer called it “inappropriate and embarrassing. It's offensive.”
President Trump’s team never should have posted this image. If he saw it first, he never should have approved it.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) April 13, 2026
It’s inappropriate and embarrassing. It’s offensive.
(Note: It was posted on Truth Social, not X) pic.twitter.com/1tdsUvcMjY
The criticism extended to religious commentators, including Allie Beth Stuckey, who said, “That image is what happens when Paula White is your personal pastor and people around you are continually comparing you to Christ.”
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, as we all…
— Allie Beth Stuckey (@conservmillen) April 13, 2026
She added that Trump “desperately needs to understand the bad news that precedes the Good News.”
Political reactions intensify amid Iran tensions
The controversy comes amid heightened political tensions, including Trump’s recent criticism of Pope Leo over the Iran conflict.
The Pope, responding separately, said, “I will not shy away from announcing the message of the Gospel,” emphasizing peace and reconciliation.
Some political figures linked the image to broader concerns about Trump’s rhetoric.
Former Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote, “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.”
She added, “This comes after last week's post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization. I completely denounce this and I'm praying against it!!!”
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.
— Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@FmrRepMTG) April 13, 2026
This comes after last week’s post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an… pic.twitter.com/mq27jxJEnt
Conservative podcaster Erick Erickson pointed to a shift among some supporters, writing that “Christian Trump supporters who have stood with him through Iran... are waking up to his blasphemy.”
The media is paying attention to podcastistan breaking with Trump over Iran. 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. That's a bigger issue than podcastistan.
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) April 13, 2026
The original image had been shared months earlier by influencer Nick Adams, who wrote at the time, “America has been sick for a long time."
"President Trump is healing this nation,” Adams added.
President Trump appointed Adams in March as special presidential envoy for American tourism, exceptionalism and values.
The POTUS deleted the post on Monday following the MAGA backlash, and after that, California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “Now delete your presidency.”
