Donald Trump pulls down disputed “healing” image amid criticism from supporters and faith groups

The AI-generated image showed Trump appearing to heal a sick man in a hospital, triggering strong reactions across the political divide, including from some of his loyal supporters.

The post surfaced just hours after Trump shared a lengthy message attacking Pope Leo XIV, who has been outspoken in his criticism of US and Israeli military actions in Iran.
Trump later acknowledged sharing the image, explaining to reporters that he viewed it as a portrayal of himself “as a doctor.”
In the now-deleted image, Trump was dressed in a white robe, placing a glowing hand on a patient’s forehead—an image critics said closely resembled traditional depictions of Jesus healing the sick. The background featured the Statue of Liberty, a large American flag, fighter jets, an eagle, and several figures including a nurse, a praying woman, and what appeared to be a soldier.
Speaking after removing the post, Trump reiterated that the image was intended to show him as a doctor alongside a Red Cross worker.
“It’s supposed to be as a doctor making people better,” he said. “And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”
In an interview with CBS News, Trump explained that he deleted the image to avoid confusion, noting that many people had misunderstood its intent.
Criticism came swiftly, including from individuals considered close to Trump. Christian activist Sean Feucht described the post as unacceptable and called for its immediate removal, saying there was “no context where this is acceptable.”
Conservative commentator Riley Gaines also reacted, stating that “God shall not be mocked.”
Religious media outlets joined the criticism. David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network wrote that the post crossed a line, adding that supporters could back Trump’s agenda while rejecting such content.
The controversial post followed shortly after another in which Trump criticised the pope, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has consistently condemned the war in Iran, describing it as “absurd and inhuman violence.” He also stated that he has no fear of speaking out against the Trump administration and remains committed to the message of the Gospel.
When asked, Trump did not apologise for the post and maintained his stance on Iran, insisting that the country must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
This is not the first time Trump’s Truth Social activity has drawn backlash. Earlier in February, a racist video depicting Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes was shared on his account before being taken down.
Initially defended by the White House as an “internet meme,” the video was later removed following widespread criticism, with officials attributing the post to an error by a staff member.