Trump Sparks Outrage with AI Image of Himself as Pope
Former President Donald Trump has stirred up quite the buzz by posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope, just 11 days following the death of Pope Francis.
The image, shared on Truth Social, depicts Trump in traditional papal white, complete with a mitre and a large crucifix hanging around his neck. This post comes on the heels of a lighthearted remark he made about wanting to be the pontiff when asked who he would prefer to succeed Pope Francis. “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice,” he told reporters on the White House lawn.
From Donald Trump Truth Social 05/02/25 10:29 PM pic.twitter.com/6BmCkSY1Q8
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 3, 2025
Trump also mentioned that he didn’t have a specific candidate in mind but noted a cardinal from New York who he deemed “very good,” likely referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York.
As the conclave to elect a new pope is currently in progress following Pope Francis’ passing on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure, Trump's post has drawn a mix of amusement and backlash. Many have labeled it as disrespectful.
“Please take this down,” one social media user implored. “Many Catholics, myself included, find this a great disrespect to the past and future leader of our church.”
Is anyone else surprised that Trump would be so brazenly sacrilegious?
— Trump Tracker (@trackingdonald) May 3, 2025
Me either.
Classless.
Another user expressed, “Trump, as someone outside the U.S., I find your post utterly disrespectful to the Catholic community worldwide. The papacy is a sacred institution for millions, and this mockery is an affront to their beliefs.”
Critics have also pointed out Trump's attire at Pope Francis’ funeral last week, where he was seen wearing a non-traditional blue suit and chewing gum during the solemn ceremony. Some have suggested that his sideline meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also inappropriate given the context.
The reactions to Trump's post highlight the ongoing tension surrounding his public persona and the sensitivity of religious matters, especially during a time of mourning for many Catholics around the globe.
