Trump Sparks Backlash with AI-Generated Image Wearing Papal Attire

An AI-generated image of former U.S. President Donald Trump dressed in papal robes has ignited widespread controversy and condemnation.

Trump shared the doctored image on his social media platform, Truth Social, on the evening of May 2—less than a week after attending the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away in April at age 88.

The image, showing Trump unsmiling, seated on an ornate throne and wearing the traditional white robes and mitre of the pope, was posted just days before the College of Cardinals was set to convene to elect a new leader for the Catholic Church, which has more than 1.4 billion followers worldwide.

The post quickly drew criticism across multiple platforms, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where many viewed it as a mockery of the Catholic faith. The backlash included sharp responses from anti-Trump Republicans—self-identified conservatives who oppose Trump and what they call "Trumpism."

The group reposted the image with the caption: “A blatant insult to Catholics and a crude mockery of their faith.”

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni declined to comment when asked about the image during a press briefing concerning the upcoming papal conclave.

Meanwhile, former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi took to X to criticize the image, calling it “offensive to believers and religious institutions.” He added, “It shows that the global far-right's leading figure prefers spectacle over seriousness—at a time when the U.S. economy faces looming recession and a weakening dollar.”

The image was also shared from the official White House account on X, further fueling the controversy.

Catholic bishops from New York expressed dismay in a public post: “There is nothing clever or humorous about this image, Mr. President. We have just laid to rest our beloved Pope Francis, and the cardinals are preparing for a sacred conclave. Please don’t make a mockery of our faith.”

In West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump arrived at his golf club on the morning of May 3, longtime supporter Debbie Macchia, 60, waited among dozens of fans.

“It’s obvious he was joking,” Macchia said. “But I’d prefer not to see anything that could be considered blasphemous toward the Pope or the Church.”