Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image to Truth Social depicting himself styled as Jesus Christ, healing the sick and surrounded by heavenly angels, according to The Verge. The post came hours after Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV. Trump told reporters on Monday, while accepting a DoorDash delivery, that he had posted the image himself and thought it depicted him as a doctor.
The image had origins in earlier social media activity. X user S2_Underground discovered that a version of the AI-generated image had been initially posted by MAGA influencer Nick Adams in February. However, between Adams' version and the one Trump posted, several notable alterations had occurred.
Most strikingly, a soldier floating in the clouds had transformed into a faceless, spiky-headed winged being that social media users immediately interpreted as demonic. Additional changes appeared throughout the image: Trump's flag contained more stars than in the Adams version, the fighter jets looked slightly different, buildings in the background appeared blurrier, and all faces, including Trump's, looked more fearful and less benevolent. One man's "VETERAN" hat had also changed appearance.
The original post was later deleted, though rare for Trump's social media activity. Despite any efforts from White House advisers, Trump posted a second AI-generated religious image on Wednesday morning. This image depicted Trump and Jesus embracing in front of an American flag. Trump captioned the post: "The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!!" according to The Verge.
The religious imagery has drawn criticism from conservative figures. Rod Dreher, a conservative commentator who attended JD Vance's Catholic baptism, told the Wall Street Journal: "Not saying Trump is the Antichrist. But he's radiating the spirit of Antichrist, no question." The posts represent the kind of content that historically might have fractured the religious right's alliance with Trump, according to The Verge's analysis.