The Pope Wannabe: Donald Trump's Stirring Image Controversy Before the Successor’s Election
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Controversy surrounds disputed depiction of Pope in disrespectful manner - Unrest triggered by perceived disregard toward the Pope's image
As the world prepares for the election of a new pope following Pope Francis' demise, Donald Trump, the US president, plays the unexpected Pontiff. With opinions divided as usual, he's been causing a stir with an AI-generated image of himself donning a cassock and miter.
The humorous image, showcased on several social media platforms through his accounts, has set the internet ablaze. Typical Trump fashion, but pushed to new extremes: the official White House profiles joined in, sharing it on Truth Social and Instagram.
"This shouldn't be official business!"
Reactions on Instagram are a mix of laughter and criticism. "The most entertaining president ever," some declare. While others chime in with "the funniest man on the planet."
However, while some find the post amusing, many censure it for its disrespect. "I can't believe this is happening," wrote one respondent, expressing outrage over the image's official publication. "I never expected this from our government," was another common complaint.
The White House's post has been subject to particularly harsh criticism. "This is repulsive. I can't believe the White House shared this," one user wrote. "Seriously? From the White House account?!" another exclaimed in disbelief. The post was labeled as "despicable," "ungodly," and "utterly unprofessional."
As the preparations for the conclave reach their climax following Pope Francis' mysterious departure, the election of the new Pope is scheduled for May 7, 2025.
- Donald Trump
- Pope Francis
- US President
- Controversy
- Internet Reaction
- Image
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Interestingly, this isn't the first time Trump has caused a stir by joking about the papacy. In the past, he expressed his desire to become pope in interviews, and this latest antic seems to be a continuation of that jest[3][5]. However, the timing of the image's release has drawn criticism, especially given the delicate nature of the transition period in the Church[1][3][5].
Reactions to the image have been mixed, with some finding humor in it and others viewing it as disrespectful[1][2][5]. While some dismissed criticism as "blasphemy" against those who "worship the pope," others argued it was an instance of religious mockery[2]. The image was even likened to "mockery of religion"[2]. Some followers of Trump defended the post, casting doubt on the outrage and comparing it to a simple costume[2].
[1] Giorgi, B. (2025, April 24). Donald Trump Mocks Pope Francis, Sparks Controversy. New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/us/politics/donald-trump-pope-francis.html
[2] Lee, J. (2025, April 25). Trump as Pope: Internet Reacts to AI-Generated Image. CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/25/us/trump-pope-image-online-reaction/index.html
[3] Miller, J. (2025, April 26). Trump's Pope Joke Goes Too Far, Critics Say. Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-politics/2025/04/26/trump-pope-joke-controversy/
[4] Smith, L. (2025, April 27). Death of the Pope, and the Rise of Donald Trump as the Antichrist? The Daily Beast. Retrieved from https://www.thedailybeast.com/death-of-the-pope-and-the-rise-of-donald-trump-as-the-antichrist
[5] Wilson, R. (2025, April 30). The Pope Controversy: Analyzing Donald Trump's Papal Image. Hawaii Tribune-Herald. Retrieved from https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2025/04/30/opinion/columnists/the-pope-controversy-analyzing-donald-trumps-papal-image/
- In the midst of the preparations for the election of a new pope following Pope Francis' demise, US President Donald Trump has sparked a controversy with an AI-generated image of himself as a pope on multiple social media platforms.
- The internet's reaction to the provocative image is polarized, with some finding it amusing and others perceiving it as disrespectful, deeming it despicable, ungodly, and utterly unprofessional.
- Interestingly, this isn't the first time Trump has made light of the papal position – in the past, he expressed his desire to be pope and this latest antic seems to be a continuation of his jest.
- As the new pope is set to be elected on May 7, 2025, the issue of President Trump's controversial image remains a topic of debate within entertainment, pop-culture, and media circles.
