President Donald Trump deleted an AI-generated image from his Truth Social account on Monday, April 13, 2026, after facing criticism for posting a depiction of himself in a Jesus-like pose. The image, which showed Trump in flowing robes with a glowing hand, was removed roughly 13 hours after it was posted on Sunday night.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
Trump defended the post, claiming it was meant to portray him as a doctor associated with the Red Cross. He told reporters, "I thought it was me as a doctor and it had to do with the Red Cross." The image drew backlash from religious leaders and some of his supporters, who called it blasphemous. Conservative activist Riley Gaines criticized the post on X, writing, "Seriously, I cannot understand why he'd post this." She later clarified that she still supports Trump but believes the post missed the mark.
Deeper Dive and Context
The image was based on an earlier AI-generated picture by MAGA influencer Nick Adams, who was recently appointed as a special presidential envoy. Pastor Doug Wilson, a spiritual mentor to government officials, said Trump committed "accidental blasphemy" and needs clearer spiritual guidance. Wilson noted that the image was offensive to many, including Trump's Christian supporters.
Trump accused the media of misrepresenting the post, saying, "Only the fake news could come up with that one." He also dismissed Gaines' criticism, stating, "I didn't listen to Riley Gaines. I'm not a big fan of Riley, actually." Gaines responded by reaffirming her support for Trump but emphasized her faith-based stance, writing, "Our purpose on this earth is to glorify Him in all we do."
Broader Implications
The incident highlights the delicate balance Trump must maintain with his religious base, which has been a key part of his political support. Some conservative Christian figures, including Fox News host Joey Jones, also criticized the post. The deletion of the image follows a pattern of Trump removing controversial social media posts, including a racist video featuring former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes.
Multiple Perspectives
While some supporters defended Trump's intent, others, like Christian Broadcasting Network political analyst David Brody, called for the post to be removed, stating, "You're not God. None of us are." The backlash underscores the challenges Trump faces in navigating religious sensitivities while maintaining his public image.