Trump pope AI
Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on his Truth Social platform. The image, shared on May 2, 2025, shows Trump in full papal attire-white robes, a gold crucifix, and a mitre-making a blessing gesture. The post went viral, drawing millions of views and sparking heated debate across social media.
The timing of the post made the controversy even sharper. Trump shared the image just days before the Vatican’s conclave to elect a new pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Earlier in the week, Trump had joked with reporters, saying, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” and praised Cardinal Timothy Dolan as a “very good” potential successor.
Trump’s AI Pope Photo Triggers Massive Backlash
Many Catholics and religious leaders found the post deeply disrespectful. Social media users called the image “offensive,” “narcissistic,” and “disgusting,” especially as the Catholic Church and millions of faithful mourn Pope Francis. One commenter wrote, “How dare you mock the process we Catholics go through to pick a new pope.” Others accused Trump of mocking sacred traditions and using the Church’s solemn moment for personal attention.
The image was created with Midjourney, an AI tool known for hyper-realistic images. Midjourney has faced criticism for enabling deepfakes and has since ended its free trial, citing “extraordinary demand and abuse.” The White House also reposted the image, adding to the uproar and making it a topic of discussion even in Vatican briefings.
Italian and Spanish news outlets slammed the post for its poor taste, especially during the official mourning period. Many Italians, both religious and secular, expressed outrage, emphasizing the importance of respecting the papacy and the Church’s traditions.
Not all reactions were negative. Some of Trump’s supporters found the image humorous, calling him the “funniest man alive” and making light of the situation. Still, the overwhelming response has been critical, with many demanding an apology and greater sensitivity from public figures.
Trump’s AI Pope Photo Triggers Massive Backlash. The incident highlights growing concerns about the use of AI-generated content by politicians and the risks of spreading misleading or offensive images. As the Church prepares for its next leader, the backlash against Trump’s AI pope photo shows how digital tools can inflame real-world tensions and offend communities during sensitive times.
Do you think public figures should be more careful with religious imagery, especially during periods of mourning? How do you feel about AI-generated content in politics? Share your thoughts below and join the discussion.
