Trump Deletes Post After Backlash Over Image Depicting Self as Jesus

Trump Deletes Post After Backlash Over Image Depicting Self as Jesus

United States President Donald Trump has deleted a social media post that appeared to portray him as Jesus Christ, following widespread backlash and escalating tensions with Pope Leo XIV over the ongoing Iran conflict.

The image, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account late Sunday, showed him in a Christ-like pose healing the sick, surrounded by American flags and eagles. The post quickly drew attention and criticism online before it was removed by Monday morning. A link to the post now displays a notice indicating the “content is no longer available.”

The development comes amid a growing public disagreement between Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war, with the pontiff recently criticising aspects of the United States’ military posture and rhetoric.

At the White House on Monday, Trump denied suggestions that the image was meant to depict him as Jesus, insisting it was misinterpreted.

“I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor, and had to do with the Red Cross,” he told reporters.

He dismissed the controversy as media distortion, accusing critics of twisting the intent of the post.

“Only the fake news could come up with the idea that it depicted me as Jesus,” Trump said. “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better. And I do make people better.”

Trump maintained that the image was meant to symbolise healing and humanitarian effort rather than religious imagery.

The controversy adds another layer to the increasingly strained relationship between the White House and the Vatican under Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff.

The Pope has recently stepped up criticism of the Iran war, warning against escalation and urging diplomatic restraint. He also responded to Trump’s remarks on Iran by describing them as “unacceptable,” while insisting he would continue speaking out despite political pressure.

“I have no fear of the Trump administration,” Pope Leo said earlier, reaffirming his position on the conflict.

Trump, in turn, has described the Pope’s comments as “terrible for foreign policy,” signalling a widening public rift between the two leaders.

The exchange marks one of the most high-profile tensions yet between the United States administration and the Vatican since Leo XIV assumed the papacy.