President Donald Trump has drawn backlash after sharing an image depicting himself in a Jesus-like pose on social media, sparking criticism from political opponents and religious groups. The post, published on April 13, came shortly after his public criticism of Pope Leo and quickly circulated online, prompting debate over its tone and appropriateness.
Critics described the image as offensive and disrespectful to Christian beliefs, with some religious leaders condemning it as inappropriate for a sitting president. Others argued that such imagery could be interpreted as portraying himself as a divine or God-like figure, given the central role of Jesus in Christian belief.
Following the backlash, Trump deleted the post and addressed the controversy, telling reporters that although he had shared the image, he believed it depicted him “as a doctor.” He added that it was meant to relate to the Red Cross and dismissed criticism as “fake news.”
Supporters echoed this explanation, arguing the image had been misinterpreted, while critics maintained that the symbolism was clear. The White House has not issued a detailed formal statement, and the incident highlights ongoing tensions over political messaging and the use of religious imagery in public discourse.
