Scoop: Trump discussed "Jesus" meme with Bill Pulte before posting it, sources say
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
President Trump discussed a "Jesus" meme with Bill Pulte before posting it on Truth Social.
AI Summary
President Trump discussed a "Jesus" meme with his housing finance chief Bill Pulte before posting it on Truth Social, according to Axios. The image, which depicted Trump as a Christ-like healer, was posted on Easter Sunday for Eastern Orthodox Christians and later removed by Trump due to fierce backlash. Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, brought the image to Trump's attention while they were together in South Florida over the weekend. This incident followed Trump's earlier Easter Sunday post for Catholic and Protestant Christians, which contained a vulgarity-laced threat against Iran. Pulte has a history of controversial actions, including firing Fannie Mae employees and pushing for a criminal probe of Fed chair Jerome Powell.
Source Coverage Map
15 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Tillis on Trump’s reasoning for posting AI Jesus image: ‘I’ll take it at face value’

Trump posts image of himself with Jesus as administration's pope criticism continues - Reuters

Trump posts AI image of being embraced by Jesus Christ amid criticism for other religious posts

Late Night Laughs at Explanations of Trump’s Jesus ‘Joke’ - The New York Times
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Trump's Controversial AI Jesus Image and Pope Leo Feud
President Trump faced widespread criticism and backlash for posting an AI-generated image depicting him as a Jesus-like figure on social media. This incident coincided with a public feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, where the Pope responded to Trump's criticisms by stating he had 'no fear' of the administration.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image Controversy
President Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff as 'weak' on various issues. This controversy was further fueled by Trump posting and then deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread criticism and concern.
Trump's AI Image as Jesus and Feud with Pope Leo
President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, which he later claimed was meant to portray him as a doctor. This incident, combined with his public criticisms of Pope Leo XIV, has drawn widespread criticism and sparked debate about his behavior and religious commentary.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image
President Donald Trump engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's stance on the Iran conflict. This was further complicated by Trump sharing an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread criticism from religious leaders and the public.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image Controversy
President Donald Trump engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff and later posting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure. This sparked widespread criticism and debate, particularly among Catholic voters.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image
President Trump engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff for his comments on the war in Iran. Amidst this, Trump posted and later deleted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, which drew widespread criticism and further controversy.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and AI Image Backlash
President Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff for his views on the Iran war. This controversy was further fueled by Trump posting and later deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread condemnation from Christian conservatives and Catholic leaders.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Image Controversy
President Trump engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff as 'weak' and 'terrible for foreign policy.' The controversy intensified when Trump posted, then deleted, an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread criticism and accusations of blasphemy from Christian conservatives.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and Jesus-like Image
President Trump engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's stance on the Iran war. This controversy was further fueled by Trump posting and later deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing significant backlash from Christian conservatives and others.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Image Controversy
President Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's stance on the Iran conflict. This dispute was exacerbated by Trump posting and later deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread criticism.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and AI Image Controversy
President Donald Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's stance on U.S. foreign policy and the war in Iran. This controversy was further fueled by Trump posting and then deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread backlash.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and Jesus Image Controversy
President Trump's social media post depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, coupled with an escalating feud with Pope Leo XIV, has sparked widespread controversy. The image, later deleted, drew criticism from religious leaders and political figures alike, highlighting deep-rooted tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and 'Jesus' Image Controversy
President Donald Trump's feud with Pope Leo XIV intensified after Trump posted and later deleted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure. The image drew widespread criticism for blasphemy and sparked a debate among religious leaders and political commentators.
Trump's Controversial AI Image and Feud with Pope Leo
Donald Trump sparked controversy by posting an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, which he later deleted after significant backlash. This incident further fueled his ongoing public feud with Pope Leo, whom Trump has criticized as 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy'.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and AI Image Controversy
President Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo, criticizing the pontiff's stance on foreign policy and war. This conflict was exacerbated by Trump posting and then deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, drawing significant backlash from religious leaders and conservatives.
Trump's AI Image and Feud with Pope Leo Spark Controversy
President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by posting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, which he later deleted after widespread criticism. This incident is intertwined with an ongoing public feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, whom Trump has criticized for his views on the Iran war and other issues.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and 'AI Jesus' Image Controversy
President Trump is engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, primarily over the Iran war. The controversy intensified after Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, leading to widespread backlash and concerns among Catholic voters.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image Controversy
President Trump is embroiled in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, stemming from the Pope's criticism of the Iran war. The controversy deepened after Trump posted and later deleted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing bipartisan backlash and dismay from Catholics.
Trump's AI Jesus Image Controversy and Feud with Pope Leo
President Donald Trump posted and later deleted an AI-generated image depicting him as a Jesus-like figure, sparking bipartisan backlash and dismay among US Catholics. This incident further fueled an ongoing feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, who has criticized Trump's stance on the Iran war.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image Controversy
President Trump is engaged in an escalating feud with Pope Leo XIV, primarily over the pontiff's criticism of the Iran war. The controversy deepened after Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, drawing widespread backlash and comments from political figures and religious leaders.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and Mental Acuity Concerns
President Trump is engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, stemming from the Pope's criticism of the Iran war and Trump's controversial AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus. This, coupled with a pattern of erratic behavior, has led to questions about Trump's mental acuity.
Trump-Pope Leo XIV Rift and JD Vance's Comments
A public rift has emerged between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, with Trump criticizing the Pope's stance on various issues. Vice President JD Vance has publicly weighed in, advising the Pope to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters, potentially impacting political support among conservative Catholics.
Criticism of Pope Leo XIV by Trump and Vance
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV, particularly regarding the Pope's stance on the Iran war and religion. This has drawn reactions from political figures and the Pope himself.
Trump's Criticism of Pope Leo XIV and Religious Posts
President Trump has engaged in an ongoing public dispute with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's calls for peace and stance on the Iran conflict. This has been accompanied by Trump's own controversial religious-themed social media posts, including AI-generated images.
Trump Administration's Strained Relationship with Pope Leo XIV
President Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's stance on the Iran conflict and other political matters. This unusual tension has drawn reactions from political figures and religious experts, highlighting a divergence in views between the administration and the Vatican.
Trump's Planned Triumphal Arch and 'Jesus' Meme Controversy
The Trump administration has unveiled plans for a 250-foot 'Triumphal Arch' to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence. Separately, President Trump faced scrutiny for posting a 'Jesus' meme, which he discussed with an aide before posting.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
National SecurityTrump signs bill extending controversial surveillance powers until April 30 - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiswFBVV95cUxOVU90QVNRNVhHM0Voa0VsRVZ3OVd5dF90ZDh1bGJEOHMyMjdBbDg3SFhOWWMzYjJXeVpXYURvTE1JRTdUa21xYi10VldCSVBQOHdUNnhKQlZlS1puaE9YU2dvTEN6RkQ0Tld1bWlQTVBrWFFyTUZJX01sRXRFTm9UWjN1VFNwZU1wWEQtY1AybnJjMzJjVng5Z2VDOVh4cEp6RWt5cUJMckppNmFZY3g3MUE4dw?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump signs bill extending controversial surveillance powers until April 30</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
GlobalIran Embassy in Tajikistan posts AI video of Jesus punching Trump in the face
Iran’s embassy in Tajikistan on Tuesday posted an AI-generated video of Jesus Christ punching President Trump in the face. The embassy posted the video on its account on the social platform X. Christ is seen emerging from the skies seen above Trump in an image the president initially posted on his own Truth Social account.…
PoliticsWATCH: President Trump speaks to reporters
President Trump answered questions from reporters after he was asked about posting a now-deleted AI-generated image that depicted him as a Jesus-like figure.
GlobalThe week in pictures: Orban ousted in Hungary, Pope Leo's Africa tour and Trump as Jesus
Hungary ended 16 years of Viktor Orban’s rule, Pope Leo XIV began his first African tour with a historic first papal visit to Algeria and US President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus. Here is a look back at some of the week’s most striking images.
PoliticsScoop: DeSantis "begging" Trump for prime role in administration
<p><a href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_blank">President Trump</a> has told confidants that Florida Gov. <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/21/governor-desantis-claims-victory-on-public-education-in-florida" target="_blank">Ron DeSantis</a> is "begging" for a job in Trump's administration — including attorney general — Axios has learned.</p><ul><li>DeSantis also has expressed interest in being secretary of defense and even a spot on the U.S. Supreme Court, according to six sources briefed on the discussions.</li></ul><p><strong>Why it matters: </strong>DeSantis has to leave office at the end of his second term in January and is "looking for what to do next," according to one source who said Trump is inclined to consider helping out his understudy-turned-rival-turned-friend.</p><hr><p><strong>Inside the room:</strong> DeSantis' future was on the menu after the two men had lunch at Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami a week ago Sund...
PoliticsSyrian Billionaires Needed a Favor in Washington. They Invoked the Trump Name.
The attempt by the Khayyats to influence foreign policy while discussions are underway about potential Trump family deals is an increasingly common feature of the president’s second term.

Trump labor secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigns amid misconduct investigation - The Guardian
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Report: Merck’s blockbuster cancer drug topped $200,000 a year under Trump

One in three Americans forced to make financial sacrifices for health coverage

Pope blasts ‘tyrants’ ravaging the Earth during his visit to Cameroon - AP News

Justice Jackson chides Supreme Court conservatives over 'oblivious' pro-Trump emergency orders - AP News

US Live Nation and Ticketmaster verdict triggers calls for Australian investigation into ticketing rules



