Trump deletes ‘Jesus’ image after fury! Religious leaders call it blasphemy—What triggered the backlash? Details here

US President Donald Trump deleted a social media post that appeared to depict him in the likeness of Jesus following criticism from religious figures. The image, shared on his platform Truth Social, showed Trump dressed in flowing red and white robes, placing his hand on the forehead of a man who appeared to be ill.

Light was shown radiating from Trump’s hand and head, while an American flag was visible in the background. Several figures in the image appeared to be looking toward him in a reverential manner. The AI-generated image was uploaded late Sunday and taken down the following day.

The removal came after backlash from religious leaders who described the depiction as inappropriate and offensive.

When asked about the post, Trump said he did not intend to portray himself as Jesus Christ. He clarified that the image was meant to show him in the role of a doctor.

“I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do Red Cross,” Trump told journalists. He added, “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”

His explanation did not prevent criticism, particularly from sections of his conservative Christian support base, who viewed the image differently.

The post drew a strong response from several prominent conservative Christian voices. Megan Basham publicly criticised the image, questioning the intent behind it and describing it as blasphemous. She called for the post to be removed and urged Trump to seek forgiveness.

The controversy highlighted tensions within a segment of Trump’s supporters, many of whom are deeply religious. While some criticised the post, others appeared to distance themselves from it without withdrawing broader political support.

Trump has previously shared religious-themed content. During his 2023 bank fraud trial, he reposted a sketch from a supporter that showed him seated beside Jesus in a courtroom setting.

Trump’s association with religious imagery has also been reinforced by his advisors. At a White House Easter event earlier this month, Paula White-Cain, who has served as his spiritual advisor, compared Trump’s experiences to those of Jesus, citing themes of betrayal and accusation.

Following the July 2024 assassination attempt, Trump increasingly embraced what some observers describe as a messianic narrative. In a victory speech after the 2024 election, he stated that he believed his life had been spared for a purpose, which he described as saving the country and restoring its direction.

According to Matthew Taylor of the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University, such messaging has gained traction among parts of his support base.

The controversy surrounding the image comes at a time when divisions are already emerging within Trump’s base. Issues such as the Middle East conflict and criticism from Pope Leo over US actions in Iran have contributed to unease, particularly among Catholic supporters.

Taylor noted that some right-leaning voters were already expressing concerns over foreign policy decisions, and that the latest controversy could deepen those divisions.

However, Kristin du Mez of Calvin University suggested that core support for Trump is unlikely to shift significantly. She observed that while some supporters acknowledged the post as inappropriate, there was little indication that it would alter their overall political backing.

According to her assessment, many within his base may criticise specific actions but are not showing signs of withdrawing support entirely.

This episode underscores the complex relationship between political messaging, religious symbolism, and voter sentiment, particularly within a support base where faith plays a central role.