Pope Trump? “Make Vatican Great Again?” — Donald Trump Sparks Controversy with AI Pope Image Post

In an eyebrow-raising moment even for Donald Trump, the former president posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope on his social media platform, Truth Social. The post, made just days after the burial of Pope Francis, features Trump in full papal attire—white robes, mitre, and crucifix—raising one finger to the sky with a confident expression.

The image was captioned with the phrase:

“Make Vatican Great Again.”

While some of his supporters laughed it off as classic Trump showmanship, others criticized the post as being disrespectful and poorly timed—especially given the global mourning following the death of Pope Francis.

The AI image is not the first time Trump has used digitally altered content to spark buzz or controversy. From superhero-like edits to dramatic courtroom renderings, Trump has leaned heavily into meme culture and visual spectacle to galvanize his base.

In a recent interview, Trump even joked:

“I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice. I think I’d be a tremendous spiritual leader.”

That remark, now juxtaposed with the AI image, has only intensified the debate over whether Trump’s actions are satire, trolling, or something more calculated.

Critics argue that the image undermines the solemnity of the papacy and the recent passing of Pope Francis. Religious leaders and commentators have called the move “deeply inappropriate” and “unbecoming of a former head of state.”

Still, Trump’s digital papacy has gained traction, with memes, remixes, and political commentary erupting across platforms. Whether stunt or statement, Trump once again has the world talking.