U.S. President Donald Trump deleted an AI-generated image of himself depicted as a Jesus-like figure on his social media accounts on Monday. The removal followed a period of intense mockery and backlash from users online.
The image, which utilized artificial intelligence to recreate the President in a religious pose, prompted widespread criticism. Many users labeled the post an attempt to use religious iconography for political purposes.
Trump defended the original intent of the post in a subsequent message. He claimed the AI-generated depiction was intended to show him "as a doctor."
The President's explanation failed to stop the wave of online derision. Users continued to share parodies of the image, focusing on the discrepancy between the visual and the President's stated intent.
The "doctor" metaphor was met with skepticism by political analysts and social media users. Many pointed to the lack of medical context in the AI-generated visual as proof of a disconnected messaging strategy.
Diplomatic friction
The deletion of the image follows a period of heightened friction between the White House and the Vatican. President Trump is currently involved in a public dispute with Pope Leo XIV.
The feud between the two leaders centers on the ongoing war in Iran. The Pope has taken a stance critical of the conflict, creating a rift in relations between the U.S. administration and the Holy See.
Critics noted that the timing of the AI image could be seen as a provocation. The use of religious imagery during a period of religious and political tension has intensified the scrutiny of the President's social media activity.
Digital creators used the original image to produce new, satirical versions of the President in different professional roles. These parodies have furthered the online criticism of the President's use of artificial intelligence.
The President's office has not released further details regarding the specific visual elements of the AI creation. However, the imagery has already become a focal point for critics of the administration's foreign policy.
The Pope's opposition to the war in Iran continues to drive the diplomatic rift with the White House.
