United States President Donald Trump has rejected allegations that he shared a controversial AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ, insisting the visual has been widely misinterpreted.
The image, which was posted and later deleted from his Truth Social platform, sparked criticism after it circulated online showing Trump in flowing robes, surrounded by radiant light, with outstretched hands in a pose many viewers likened to religious iconography.
Addressing journalists at the White House on Monday, Trump distanced himself from the interpretation, claiming the image had been misconstrued.
“Well, it wasn’t a picture… I thought it was me as a doctor, and it had to do with Red Cross as a Red Cross worker there, which we support, and only the fake news could come up with that one,” he said.
He further clarified that the intention behind the image was symbolic rather than religious.
“It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better, and I do make people better. I make people a lot better,” he said.
The now-viral visual blended multiple elements, including figures resembling angels or armed personnel suspended mid-air, alongside fighter jets and fireworks—creating a mix of religious symbolism and American patriotic imagery that drew sharp reactions from critics.
Several observers described the image as inappropriate and offensive, particularly due to its resemblance to traditional depictions of Jesus Christ, a figure deeply revered in Christianity.
The controversy has also emerged against the backdrop of Trump’s recent tensions with Pope Leo XIV, whom he had criticised over positions on global issues.
Trump had previously labelled the pontiff as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” accusing him of unfairly targeting his administration while ignoring restrictions placed on religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the backlash, the president maintained that the uproar was based on a flawed reading of the image, reiterating that it carried no religious meaning.
