Jesus or doctor? Trump takes down AI image of himself after backlash.

Donald Trump removed a social media post portraying himself as a Messiah-like figure after criticism from religious commentators and political figures across the United States.

The image, which appeared on his platform Truth Social, showed Trump in flowing red and white robes touching the forehead of a man lying in a hospital bed, with light appearing to shine from his hands and head.

The post was uploaded on Sunday and taken down by Monday morning (U.S. time).

Trump says image was meant to show him “as a doctor”

Speaking to reporters outside the Oval Office, Trump said he did not intend the image to portray him as Jesus.

“It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better,” he said.
“And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”

He added that he had removed the post after the reaction it generated.

The image showed Trump dressed in red and white robes, with light emitting from his hands as he touched the forehead of a man lying in a hospital bed, evoking religious artwork depicting Jesus healing the sick.

The scene also included figures looking up at him, including what appeared to be a medical worker with a stethoscope, a praying woman and a man in camouflage.

In the background were symbols such as the Statue of Liberty, a structure resembling the Lincoln Memorial, fighter jets, eagles, fireworks and a large American flag.

Religious commentators and supporters criticise post

The image drew criticism from many commentators.

Independent U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who often sides with the Democratic party, posted:

Trump is now attacking the Pope for speaking out against war while posting images of himself as a messianic figure.

This is not only offensive. It is deranged, egomaniacal behavior.

When will Republicans in Congress stop blindly following this dangerous and unhinged man? pic.twitter.com/vaMOl9XNcZ

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 13, 2026

Seriously, I cannot understand why he'd post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this? ” Riley Gaines, a conservative influencer and critic of transgender rights, posted on X. She added, “God shall not be mocked.”

“This goes too far. It crosses the line,” David Brody, an evangelical journalist with the Christian Broadcasting Network, wrote. “A supporter can back the mission AND reject this simultaneously.”

The backlash extended across political and religious lines, highlighting tensions over the use of religious imagery in political messaging.

The latest image was posted without explanation before being removed following criticism.

Top image via President Donald J. Trump/Facebook