U.S. President Donald Trump has posted an image depicting Jesus embracing him on his social media platform days after facing criticism for sharing an AI-generated image portraying himself as a messianic figure.
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The latest image, shared Wednesday on the president’s account on Truth Social, shows Jesus with an arm around Trump’s shoulder and a hand placed on his chest. Both figures appear with their eyes closed against a glowing backdrop that includes a halo of light and the American flag.
The image appears to have been generated using artificial intelligence and was first circulated by a Trump supporter on X.
In the accompanying message, Trump wrote that critics on the political left might object to the picture but said he believed it was “quite nice”.
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social
Earlier image drew criticism
The post followed controversy over another AI-generated image shared by Trump days earlier. In that picture, he was depicted wearing flowing robes and performing a healing gesture over a sick man, with beams of light emerging from his hands.
The image also included patriotic imagery such as the Statue of Liberty, American flags and bald eagles.
The earlier post drew criticism from figures across the political spectrum, including religious commentators and political leaders.
Republican former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was praying against the image, while Vermont senator Bernie Sanders described the post as “deranged” and “egomaniacal”.
Christian activist Sean Feucht wrote that the image should be removed immediately, saying there was “no context where this is acceptable”.
Conservative commentator Megan Basham and journalist David Brody, who works with the Christian Broadcasting Network, also criticised the post, with Brody saying it crossed a line.
Former swimmer and conservative commentator Riley Gaines also questioned the decision to share the image, writing that she could not understand why it had been posted.
Post removed and defended
The earlier AI image was removed from Trump’s Truth Social account by Monday morning.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said the image had been intended as lighthearted.
He said he viewed the image as portraying himself “as a doctor”, adding that it was meant as a humorous depiction of “playing the doctor and making people better”.
Trump said the post was deleted because he did not want people to be confused, and blamed media coverage for intensifying the controversy.
Comments amid international tensions
The social media posts came as Trump gave an interview in which he suggested his presidency was preventing global instability.
Speaking with Jonathan Karl of ABC News, the president said that without him in office “the world would be torn to pieces”.
The remarks were made as the United States and Iran attempt to negotiate a peace agreement during a two-week ceasefire following recent conflict in the region.
The war, launched earlier this year by the United States and Israel, has resulted in thousands of deaths in Iran, according to state media, and has displaced millions across the Middle East.
The conflict has also affected global energy markets. Iranian blockades in the Strait of Hormuz — a major route for global oil shipments — have disrupted supplies, contributing to oil prices approaching $100 a barrel and pushing average U.S. gasoline prices to about $4 per gallon.
Trump suggested in the interview that progress in negotiations could come soon, saying observers would see “an amazing two days ahead”.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 16 April 2026
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