WASHINGTON, D.C., United States — US President Donald Trump has removed a controversial AI-generated image posted on his Truth Social account, after it triggered widespread criticism from political and religious figures across the United States.
The image depicted Trump in a white robe, appearing to place a glowing hand on a sick man lying in a hospital bed. Critics said the imagery closely resembled traditional depictions of Jesus Christ healing the sick.
The post, which was later deleted, came shortly after Trump published a separate message criticising Pope Leo XIV, who has been outspoken in his condemnation of US and Israeli military operations in Iran.
The AI-generated content included symbolic elements such as the Statue of Liberty, US flags, fighter jets, an eagle, a nurse, a praying woman, and what appeared to be a soldier. The composition drew accusations of political and religious overreach.
Criticism emerged rapidly, including from Trump supporters and conservative voices.
“This should be deleted immediately,” wrote Sean Feucht, a Christian activist involved in faith-based commemorative events for the upcoming 250th anniversary of US independence.
“There’s no context where this is acceptable,” he added.
Riley Gaines, a conservative activist known for her criticism of transgender rights, wrote: “God shall not be mocked.”
Faith-based media outlets also condemned the post. David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network said: “This goes too far. It crosses the line. A supporter can back the mission and reject this.”
The controversy unfolded amid heightened tensions between the White House and the Vatican following Pope Leo’s repeated criticism of the war in Iran, which he has described as causing “absurd and inhuman violence.”
The Pope, the first American to hold the position, responded by stating he has “no fear” of political pressure and would continue speaking out on global conflicts.
Speaking at the White House, Trump defended his position and refused to apologise.
“Pope Leo said things that are wrong,” he said. “He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran. Pope Leo would not be happy with the end result.”
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The deleted post is the latest in a series of controversial social media incidents linked to Trump’s Truth Social account.
Earlier this year, an offensive video depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama in racist imagery circulated on the platform before being removed.
At the time, the White House described it as an “internet meme video” and urged critics to “stop the fake outrage,” later attributing the post to a staff error.
Analysts say the episode highlights ongoing tensions around AI-generated political content, the boundaries of religious symbolism in political messaging, and the role of social media in amplifying presidential communication.
The incident also underscores how rapidly AI-generated imagery can escalate into diplomatic and cultural controversy in an already polarised political environment.
