President Donald Trump removed an artificial intelligence-generated image from his social media platform on Monday following a surge of public criticism. The post, which appeared early on April 13, 2026, featured a digital rendering of the president portrayed in a manner similar to Jesus Christ.
The artwork depicted President Trump wearing white robes and a red sash. He was shown with glowing hands outstretched in a healing posture, set against a background of heavenly light, American flags, bald eagles, and fighter jets.
The image quickly ignited a firestorm of reaction across various digital platforms. Many observers, particularly within the Christian community, characterized the depiction as blasphemous and inappropriate for a national political leader.
Within hours of the initial publication, the post was scrubbed from the president's official account. The rapid deletion suggests a strategic retreat by the administration as the controversy threatened to overshadow other current policy initiatives.
Political commentators remain divided on the significance of the event. While some analysts view the removal as a necessary correction, others argue that the image's brief appearance has already caused lasting damage to the president's standing.
The controversy occurs during a period of heightened religious tension. President Trump recently engaged in a public disagreement with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, making the use of messianic imagery particularly sensitive for his supporters.
Advancements in artificial intelligence have made the creation of such hyper-realistic visuals increasingly common in the political sphere. This incident highlights the volatile nature of AI-generated content and its potential to trigger immediate national debate.
Despite the post being deleted, screenshots of the messianic portrayal continue to circulate widely online. The digital trail ensures that the conversation regarding the intersection of faith, technology, and executive branding will persist for several days.
For the Trump administration, the episode underscores the challenges of navigating a digital landscape where provocative visuals can circulate globally in minutes. The quick removal indicates a high level of sensitivity to concerns raised by religious constituents.