TRUMP REMOVES AI-GENERATED POST PORTRAYING HIM AS JESUS-LIKE FIGURE AFTER BACKLASH FROM SUPPORTERS AND RELIGIOUS CRITICS. (PHOTO).

 Trump removes AI-generated post portraying him as Jesus-like figure after backlash from supporters and religious critics

An AI-generated image posted by President Donald Trump that depicted him in a Jesus-like pose was removed about 13 hours after it appeared on his social media platform, following backlash from religious supporters and political critics.

The post, shared late Sunday amid a series of other messages, came shortly after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV over comments urging an end to the conflict involving Iran. In his posts, Trump also attacked the pope, saying he was “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” and later adding that he did not want a pope who supported Iran having nuclear capabilities.

During an unscheduled White House briefing, Trump acknowledged posting the image but said he believed it showed him as a doctor and humanitarian worker. He described it as related to a Red Cross-style figure and insisted there was no intent behind the religious imagery that critics highlighted.

The image quickly drew backlash from some of Trump’s allies and conservative supporters. Critics within the MAGA movement questioned the post and accused the president of poor judgment, with some saying it showed a lack of humility and others calling it inappropriate or offensive. Former Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also condemned the image, linking it to previous controversial posts and statements by Trump.

Trump rejected criticism of the post and did not apologize, instead blaming the media for misrepresenting the situation. He maintained that the image was misunderstood and reiterated that he viewed it as a depiction of himself helping people.

He also declined calls from some religious figures and allies to apologize to the pope, saying there was nothing to apologize for and reiterating his disagreement with Pope Leo’s comments on Iran. Trump argued that Iran’s nuclear ambitions posed a global threat and defended his stance on the issue.

Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, has recently called for an end to violence in the Middle East, urging peace, restraint, and dialogue while condemning attacks on civilians and infrastructure. He has repeatedly called for negotiations to resolve escalating tensions in the region.

The incident adds to a pattern of controversial posts from Trump’s social media account, some of which have previously been removed after drawing criticism or confusion.