Trump Releases AI “Jesus Selfie,” Core Supporters Erupt in Fierce Protest

On April 14, former U.S. President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ on his social media platform Truth Social—an act that has enraged the religious right and sparked the strongest backlash from Catholic and Evangelical supporters since his return to the White House. John Yep, CEO of the nonprofit group Catholics for Catholic People Support, stated: “We’re a bit confused. Catholics overwhelmingly back this president, but right now, he’s being so disrespectful to our faith—it’s really bewildering.” The organization previously hosted religious events at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate and has maintained close ties with his administration. In recent years, despite initial misgivings, conservative Christian supporters have stuck by Trump through two impeachments and three elections. Trump also delivered on his campaign promises to them, nominating a Supreme Court justice who helped overturn Roe v. Wade. But for many Christian leaders, Trump crossed a line Sunday night with the posted image—along with his sharp criticism of Pope Leo XIV.