President Donald Trump set off a wave of reactions Friday after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on his Truth Social account — complete with white papal robes and a cross around his neck.
No caption. No explanation. Just Trump, in full “Holy Father” attire.
Naturally, the internet lit up.
The post appears to be a playful nod to a recent comment Trump made when asked by a reporter who he would like to see as the next pope. Trump, known for his quick wit, answered:
“I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice,” he joked, before adding more seriously, “No, I don’t know. I have no preference. I must say we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who’s very good.”
His comments came in the wake of the passing of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88. The Vatican has since scheduled the conclave to elect the next pope for Wednesday, May 7.
As expected, reactions to Trump’s post ranged from humor and appreciation to outrage — particularly among liberal voices and some critics in Catholic circles.
Former RNC chairman and MSNBC commentator Michael Steele took offense, writing:
“During this period of Novemdiales (mourning the loss of Pope Francis), I’ll set this offense aside because Trump in his narcissism gets off on our being offended… He remains a 10yo child, emotionally scarred and broken while desperate to prove he could be somebody. His problem: he can’t grow up to prove it.”
Another critic claimed Trump had turned the sacred papal transition into a “costume party” and labeled it a “bold move.”
But for every critic, there were just as many — if not more — supporters who saw the post for what it was: light-hearted Trump trolling.
One user with the handle “Biggest Trump supporter in Poland” reminded folks that Trump has always respected the Church. He referenced Trump’s 2017 tribute to Pope John Paul II, quoting:
“And when the day came on June 2nd, 1979, and one million Poles gathered around Victory Square for their very first Mass with their Polish Pope — that day, every Communist in Warsaw must have known that their oppressive system would soon come crashing down.”
Another user chimed in:
“Trump as pope is hilarious. So many are triggered over this. Calm down folks. He is just trolling.”
Others echoed the sentiment:
“Love it when he trolls.”
Despite the joking and online firestorm, President Trump did take time to honor Pope Francis after his passing. He issued a heartfelt message on Truth Social:
“Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump even attended the late pope’s funeral in Rome to pay their respects — a gesture that speaks volumes, especially to Catholic voters and faith-based conservatives across the country.
Trump’s playful pope image sparked plenty of buzz, as expected. But when it comes to honoring religious leaders and supporting religious freedom, his record speaks louder than any AI photo ever could.
