Trump dismissed outrage over the AI ​​image, and denied claims about religious depictions

United States President Donald Trump has rejected accusations that he shared a controversial AI-generated image depicting him as Jesus Christ, insisting that the image has been widely misinterpreted.

The image, posted and then deleted from his Truth Social platform, sparked criticism after circulating online showing Trump in flowing robes, surrounded by shining lights, with his arms outstretched in a pose that many likened to religious iconography.

While speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump distanced himself from that interpretation, claiming the image had been misinterpreted.

“Well, it wasn’t an image… I thought it was me as a doctor, and it had something to do with the Red Cross as a Red Cross worker there, which we support, and only fake news could come out,” he said.

He further clarified that the intention behind the image was symbolic and not religious.

“I as a doctor am supposed to make people better, and I do make people better. I make people much better,” he said.

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The now-viral visual combines various elements, including angel-like figures or armed personnel floating in the air, along with fighter jets and fireworks—creating a mix of religious symbolism and American patriotic imagery that has drawn sharp reactions from critics.

Some observers considered the image inappropriate and offensive, especially because of its similarity to traditional depictions of Jesus Christ, a highly revered figure in Christianity.

This controversy also emerged due to recent tensions between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, whom he criticized for his stance on global issues.

Trump previously called Pope Francis “weak on crime” and “bad on foreign policy,” and accused him of acting unfairly against his administration while ignoring restrictions imposed on religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the backlash, the president maintained that the uproar was based on a misreading of the image, and reiterated that the image had no religious significance.