Donald Trump published and then removed an image portraying him in a Christ-like manner, claiming it was meant to represent him as a doctor.
Image Depicts Trump in Religious Imagery
The image, published on Sunday, April 12th, showed Donald Trump in a white robe and red cloak, placing a hand on the forehead of a sick man. Light rays emanated from Trump’s hands, surrounded by figures including a soldier, veteran, smiling nurse, and praying woman.
The backdrop included the Statue of Liberty, Lincoln Memorial, fireworks, the American flag, military aircraft, eagles, and soldiers depicted as angels.
Origin and Initial Posting
The image’s creator is unknown, but it exhibits elements of AI-generated graphics. Australian right-wing commentator Nick Adams, previously nominated as ambassador to Malaysia and later appointed a “special envoy,” initially posted the image on Instagram.
Adams, known for his effusive praise of Trump, captioned the image: “America has been sick for a long time. President Trump is healing this nation.”
Trump’s Explanation and Removal
Donald Trump explained his posting of the image, stating he intended to portray himself as a doctor, not Jesus. “I thought it was me as a doctor, and it had to do with the Red Cross, which we support,” Trump said.
He added, “As a doctor, I’m supposed to help people. And I really do help them. I make people much better.” Trump also dismissed claims the image depicted him as Jesus as “fake news.”
Past Religious Rhetoric
The current U.S. president has frequently used religious rhetoric, claiming “God is proud” of him, that no president has done more for religion, and that religion is “hotter than ever.”
Recently, Trump used phrases like “praise God” and “praise Allah” in posts threatening Iran, asserting God sides with America in the conflict.
Criticism from Religious Conservatives
The image sparked criticism from some evangelical Christians and conservative Catholics who had previously supported the president. Megan Basham, a conservative Protestant writer, called the image a “SCANDALOUS blasphemy” and demanded an apology.
Internal Reactions and Quasi-Messianic Views
An anonymous Trump administration official stated the president went too far with the post, but noted some MAGA supporters view Trump as a quasi-messiah. Another official commented, “Others at Trump rallies do it for him, but when you do it yourself… at best, it’s sacrilegious.”
Conservative Catholic podcaster Isabel Brown called the post “frankly disgusting and unacceptable,” and a misrepresentation of American religious revival.