Trump Faces Outrage After Posting AI Image of Himself as Pope

Washington/New York: `U.S. President Donald Trump is facing a wave of criticism after posting an AI-generated image of himself in papal robes just days after the funeral of Pope Francis. The image, shared late Friday night from both Trump’s personal and the White House’s official social media accounts, has been widely condemned as insensitive and disrespectful.
The image, posted at 10:29 p.m. U.S. time without a caption, shows Trump in elaborate white and gold papal attire, complete with a mitre. Coming so soon after the death of Pope Francis on April 21 and his funeral on April 26 at St. Peter’s Square, the post struck many as poorly timed and in poor taste.
Critics from across the political and religious spectrum took to social media to denounce the gesture. Lepus (@LepusNox), reacting on X, wrote: “As President of the United States, posting a picture of himself as Pope a few days after the Pope's death is neither funny nor respectful. It shows the boundless arrogance and childish behaviour of a man who believes he is above everything.”
An X user, Average Aussie Egyptologist (Therese Clarke) (@AUSegyptology) called it "truly disgraceful" and an insult to the late Pope Francis. She added, “I can take lots of jokes about religion, but this is truly disgraceful - an insult to the late Pope Francis. It is on Donald Trump's approved Instagram account. The man couldn't even follow the protocols advised by the Holy See, fell asleep during the funeral mass and now does this,” she said.
Melanie D'Arrigo, a healthcare advocate and former Democratic congressional candidate, slammed the post as hypocritical: “The guy who broke all 10 commandments is now cosplaying as the next Pope.”
Many others expressed concern over the symbolic implications of a sitting U.S. president portraying himself as a religious figure, especially during a sensitive period for the Catholic Church. The papal conclave to elect the next pontiff is scheduled to begin in the Vatican on May 7, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Trump was among the international dignitaries who attended the late pope's funeral at St. Peter's Square on April 26.
Some critics viewed the post as a deliberate provocation. “This isn’t humour — it’s hubris,” said one user. “It’s a calculated act of disrespect toward a global religious community still mourning a spiritual leader.”
The backlash also reignited long-standing concerns about Trump’s approach to statesmanship, particularly his tendency to blur the lines between satire, ego, and diplomacy.
Still, not everyone was outraged. Comedian Terrance K. Williams posted, “Pope Trump... Lol our President just posted this. He’s trolling because he knows the media is going to flip out. Actually, I love the sound of King Trump, the first of his name.”
The White House has not issued an official response regarding the image, and the Vatican has yet to comment, though Newsweek reported it has reached out for clarification.