Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
U.S. President Donald Trump is facing a wave of backlash from conservative allies after posting an AI-generated image portraying himself as Jesus Christ, triggering internal outrage within his political base and igniting a wider cultural and religious controversy.
The image, later deleted from his Truth Social account, depicted Trump in flowing white robes with a red sash, appearing to heal a hospital patient while figures in the background looked on in admiration. The scene also included American symbols such as the Statue of Liberty and the U.S. flag, alongside angelic imagery.
“Humility” Calls From Trump Allies as Backlash Grows
Prominent conservative commentators and influencers quickly condemned the post, warning that it crossed a serious line even among Trump supporters.
Some urged the president to demonstrate “humility,” arguing that the image risked alienating religious voters and escalating tensions within his evangelical support base. Others described the post as inappropriate and spiritually offensive, calling it a distraction from political messaging.
Religious Controversy Spills Into Global Politics
The controversy escalated beyond U.S. politics after Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the situation, condemning what he described as an insult to religious figures and values, including Jesus Christ.
The dispute comes amid already heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, adding a new layer of international sensitivity to an already volatile political moment.
Split Emerges Inside Trump’s Religious Support Base
The backlash exposed divisions within Trump’s core coalition, including evangelical Christians and Catholic conservatives who typically support his policies.
Some allies defended Trump’s broader political messaging, while others warned the AI-generated image went too far and risked damaging trust among faith-based voters.
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called the post deeply offensive, while other conservative voices described it as blasphemous and politically damaging.
Clash With Pope Leo XIV Adds to Escalation
The controversy follows Trump’s recent public dispute with Pope Leo XIV, who has repeatedly called for global peace and criticized escalating international conflicts.
Trump previously attacked the pope’s political remarks on social media, further intensifying tensions between the White House and religious leadership.
Oil Prices Jump as Global Tensions Rise
The political fallout comes amid broader geopolitical instability linked to tensions with Iran. Markets reacted sharply, with oil prices rising as fears grew over potential disruptions to global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts warn that continued instability could further increase fuel costs and global economic pressure.
