Donald Trump in 2025, Donald Trump as the pope in the AI image.Credit : Chip Somodevilla/Getty; Donald J. Trump/Truth Social
| Published May 4, 2024
President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself in papal attire on his Truth Social account, just days after attending Pope Francis’ funeral. The image, which shows Trump in white and gold papal garments holding up one finger, was posted without a caption and quickly went viral, eliciting a range of reactions.
As one can see, Trump is dressed in a white garment with a large crucifix hanging around his neck. A pope hat can be seen on his head as he stares ahead.
Trump’s right index finger is also pointing upward as he sits on a throne.
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As expected, leftists went into total meltdown as the image quickly went viral.
Critics, including Catholic groups and Italian media, labeled the post as disrespectful, especially given its timing shortly after Pope Francis’ death. The New York State Catholic Conference accused Trump of mocking the solemn papal transition, stating, “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President.”
In contrast, conservative media outlet RedState defended Trump’s post, arguing that the outrage from the left was hypocritical and humorous. Jennifer Oliver O’Connell, writing for RedState, suggested that many of those expressing offense were not Catholics themselves and accused them of “concern-trolling.”
The incident underscores the polarized reactions to Trump’s actions, with supporters viewing the post as a joke and critics seeing it as a sign of disrespect. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between Trump’s administration and various religious and political groups.
🔵 Implications – Trump’s AI Pope Post
🟦 1. Media & Left-Wing Hypocrisy on Full Display
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Conservatives see the outrage over Trump’s AI-generated “Pope” image as manufactured and selective.
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Left-wing media outlets and critics who previously embraced or ignored far more irreverent AI or meme content are now offended—only because it involves Trump, suggesting a double standard.
🟦 2. Free Speech & Humor in Political Discourse
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From a right-leaning stance, the post is a harmless, satirical image, not meant to mock Catholicism but to underscore Trump’s populist aura or even his “messianic” appeal to supporters.
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The backlash is viewed as another attempt to censor humor or satire when it comes from the right.
🟦 3. Reinforces Trump’s Outsider Persona
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The media frenzy reinforces Trump’s brand as the outsider battling elitist institutions (in this case, media, religious critics, and establishment figures).
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Supporters may rally behind him more strongly, interpreting the reaction as proof that Trump continues to “live rent-free” in his opponents’ heads.
🟦 4. Weaponization of Religion for Political Attacks
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Conservatives argue that many of those condemning Trump’s image aren’t devout Catholics themselves, yet they use religion as a political weapon when convenient.
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RedState and others frame this as insincere outrage—a “concern-trolling” tactic, not genuine reverence for Catholic values.
🟦 5. Continued Desensitization to AI and Satire
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On the right, this also raises a broader point: AI-generated images are part of the new political landscape, and people need to discern satire from malicious manipulation.
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Trump’s use of AI is seen not as dangerous, but as a symbolic tool for trolling—a reminder of how the meme war plays a role in modern politics.
✅ Overall Takeaway
The uproar over Trump’s AI-generated “Pope” image is seen by many conservatives as a textbook case of selective outrage and media hypocrisy. Rather than a genuine concern for religious sensitivity, the backlash is viewed as an opportunistic attempt by the left to discredit Trump over a harmless meme. For his supporters, the incident reinforces Trump’s image as a cultural disruptor who continues to challenge establishment norms, provoke his critics, and dominate the media narrative—even through satire.
SOURCES: REDSTATE – HOT TAKES: The Outrage From the Left Over Trump’s AI Pope Meme Is Peak Hypocrisy, Total Hilarity
THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – KING TROLL: President Trump Sends the Internet into an Epic Frenzy After Posting an Interesting Image of Himself Dressed as the Pope (PHOTO)
PEOPLE – Donald Trump Shares Fake Photo of Himself as the Pope Days After Saying He’s His ‘Number One Choice’ for Pontiff’s Replacement
AP NEWS – Trump draws criticism with AI image of himself as the pope ahead of the papal conclave
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