Posted to his social media platform Truth Social, the image sees Trump draped in robes, surrounded by divine light, and seemingly “healing” a man while being flanked by figures who appear to be praying to him. In the background, there is a large American flag and iconic US landmarks, there are also eagles in flight, aircraft in the sky, and glowing angelic figures in the sky. The image, originally shared by the president’s supporter Nick Adams in February, has drawn widespread criticism.
Bishop William Shomali, the General Vicar of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, said: “Therefore, the problem is not that he (Trump) tries to emulate Jesus Christ, but rather that he tries to present himself as if he were a superhuman and great figure.”
It appears that even some of Trump’s fiercest supporters are unhappy, with members of the MAGA movement expressing clear tensions, calling the image disrespectful and demanding that it be taken down.
“Trolling is not an excuse for blasphemy,” said Gateway Pundit podcaster Victor Nieves. “Anyone defending this today will have to do so again on judgement day.”
Conservative Daily Wire contributor Michael Knowles posted: “I assume someone has already told him, but it behoves the President both spiritually and politically to delete the picture, no matter the intent.”
Podcaster pastor Alex Stone said: “This is blasphemy.”
However, some MAGA supporters jumped to his defence. Jack Posobiec, a big Trump supporter, posted on X: “And then we all crashed out because Trump posted a meme.”
And Trump didn’t stop there in his tirade, with the president launching a fresh rant when speaking to reporters last night.
Trump said he doesn’t think the US-born pope is “doing a very good job”, before adding that “he likes crime I guess”. He continued: “We don’t like a pope who says it is ok to have a nuclear weapon. “We don’t want a pope that says crime is ok in our cities. I don’t like it.”
In response, Pope Leo said he has “no intention to debate” with Trump. He added: “I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems.”
