Trump's AI Pope: Global Controversy or Just a Joke?

Trump’s AI Pope Image Sparks Global Controversy — Is This a Joke Too Far?

Former US President shares AI-generated image dressed as Pope, drawing criticism from religious leaders worldwide.

In a surprising and controversial move, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope. The post, shared on his social platform Truth Social, came just days after the death of Pope Francis. This image quickly spread across the internet, leading to strong reactions from Catholic leaders, international figures, and social media users.

Why Did This Go Viral?

The AI image came soon after Trump made a sarcastic remark, joking that he might become the next Pope. Shortly after, the White House’s official X account also reposted the image, raising eyebrows across the world.

While some of Trump’s supporters laughed it off as humor, religious leaders were not amused. The New York State Catholic Conference called the image “offensive,” especially because it came during the mourning period for the late Pope.

Even Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, a figure Trump had previously praised, responded negatively. He said he hoped Trump had “nothing to do” with the image, calling it “god-awful.”

Global Leaders Respond

Criticism didn’t stop at America’s borders. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi described the act as “shameful and disrespectful to believers.” The incident stirred international debates on the ethics of AI-generated content, especially when tied to sensitive topics like religion.

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic himself, brushed it off saying people should learn to “take a joke.” However, not everyone agrees.

From Politics to Satire

The situation quickly made its way to pop culture. Saturday Night Live mocked the image during its comedy segment, using satire to underline the absurdity of a former president trying on the identity of a religious leader—literally.

Is This Suitable for a President?

This controversy raises an important question:
Should political leaders joke about religious positions, especially after a major loss like the death of a pope?

Many believe such actions are in poor taste, especially from someone who once held the highest political office in the world. With AI tools becoming more accessible, concerns are growing over how such technology might be used for propaganda or misinformation in the future.