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.
Latest Developments
Trump shocked Netanyahu with post declaring Lebanon strikes "prohibited"
President Trump posted that Israel was "prohibited" from conducting any more airstrikes in Lebanon, shocking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers. Netanyahu was personally stunned and alarmed by Trump's post, which contradicted a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon published by the State Department on Thursday. The agreement stated Israel preserves the right to take military action in self-defense against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks. Israeli officials asked the White House for clarification, and a U.S. official later clarified that the agreement preserves Israel's right to self-defense. Shortly before Trump's interview with Axios, an Israeli drone conducted a strike in southern Lebanon, with an Israeli source claiming Hezbollah violated the ceasefire.
Trump's lawyers say they're 'in discussions' to resolve his $10B suit against the IRS
Attorneys for President Trump state they are "in discussions" with the Department of Justice to potentially resolve a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. President Trump and his company initiated this lawsuit, seeking significant financial damages from the Internal Revenue Service. These discussions suggest a potential out-of-court settlement for the high-stakes legal battle involving the sitting President. A resolution could avoid a protracted and public legal process concerning the President's financial dealings and tax matters.
Prosecutor Withdraws From Trump Team’s Investigation of Ex-CIA Director John O. Brennan
Prosecutor Maria Medetis Long has withdrawn from the Trump team’s investigation into former CIA Director John O. Brennan. Long, a career Justice Department lawyer in Miami, reportedly expressed concerns regarding the sufficiency of evidence to pursue a prosecution against Brennan. This withdrawal suggests internal disagreement within the Justice Department about the merits of the investigation. The development could impact the future of the inquiry into Brennan, who has been a vocal critic of President Trump.
Judge rejects DOJ effort to get sensitive voter information from Rhode Island
U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy rejected the Justice Department's attempt to obtain sensitive voter information from Rhode Island. This ruling marks the fifth time the Justice Department has been denied access to state voter registration lists in its ongoing efforts. The decision prevents the federal government from acquiring detailed voter data from Rhode Island. This ongoing pattern of rejections impacts the Justice Department's ability to access such information for its stated purposes.
Federal Appeals Court Opens Door to Moving Trans Inmates Under Trump Gender Order
A federal appeals court has opened the door for the potential transfer of transgender inmates to men's facilities, citing a Trump Gender Order. A three-judge panel granted 17 transgender women a temporary reprieve, allowing them a few weeks to pursue additional legal action. This ruling could pave the way for their transfer from women's facilities, aligning with the administration's directive on gender identity in federal prisons. The decision creates immediate uncertainty for the affected inmates and sets a precedent for how the Trump administration's gender order may be applied.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, calling him 'weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy' regarding his opposition to the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran.
Source: CBS News
Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as a Jesus Christ-like figure, which he later deleted after drawing strong criticism and being labeled 'blasphemy' by some.
Source: The Guardian US News
Vice President JD Vance stated that Pope Leo should not interfere in U.S. affairs, defending President Trump's position.
Source: New York Times
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a rare criticism of Trump, calling his 'rant against Pope Leo XIV' 'unacceptable'.
Source: The Hill
Trump has stated he will not apologize for calling Pope Leo XIV 'WEAK', doubling down on his criticism.
Source: Al Jazeera
Recent Highlights
Trump criticizes Pope Leo XIV, intensifying a public feud.
President Trump posts an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, sparking immediate backlash.
President Trump posts an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing immediate backlash.
Trump deletes the controversial AI image from his social media.
Vice President Vance and Italian PM Meloni weigh in on the Trump-Pope feud, with differing opinions.
Full Coverage (88 articles)
Showing 20 of 88 articles
Trump shocked Netanyahu with post declaring Lebanon strikes "prohibited"
President Trump posted that Israel was "prohibited" from conducting any more airstrikes in Lebanon, shocking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers. Netanyahu was personally stunned and alarmed by Trump's post, which contradicted a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon published by the State Department on Thursday. The agreement stated Israel preserves the right to take military action in self-defense against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks. Israeli officials asked the White House for clarification, and a U.S. official later clarified that the agreement preserves Israel's right to self-defense. Shortly before Trump's interview with Axios, an Israeli drone conducted a strike in southern Lebanon, with an Israeli source claiming Hezbollah violated the ceasefire.
Trump's lawyers say they're 'in discussions' to resolve his $10B suit against the IRS
Attorneys for President Trump state they are "in discussions" with the Department of Justice to potentially resolve a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. President Trump and his company initiated this lawsuit, seeking significant financial damages from the Internal Revenue Service. These discussions suggest a potential out-of-court settlement for the high-stakes legal battle involving the sitting President. A resolution could avoid a protracted and public legal process concerning the President's financial dealings and tax matters.
Prosecutor Withdraws From Trump Team’s Investigation of Ex-CIA Director John O. Brennan
Prosecutor Maria Medetis Long has withdrawn from the Trump team’s investigation into former CIA Director John O. Brennan. Long, a career Justice Department lawyer in Miami, reportedly expressed concerns regarding the sufficiency of evidence to pursue a prosecution against Brennan. This withdrawal suggests internal disagreement within the Justice Department about the merits of the investigation. The development could impact the future of the inquiry into Brennan, who has been a vocal critic of President Trump.
Judge rejects DOJ effort to get sensitive voter information from Rhode Island
U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy rejected the Justice Department's attempt to obtain sensitive voter information from Rhode Island. This ruling marks the fifth time the Justice Department has been denied access to state voter registration lists in its ongoing efforts. The decision prevents the federal government from acquiring detailed voter data from Rhode Island. This ongoing pattern of rejections impacts the Justice Department's ability to access such information for its stated purposes.
Federal Appeals Court Opens Door to Moving Trans Inmates Under Trump Gender Order
A federal appeals court has opened the door for the potential transfer of transgender inmates to men's facilities, citing a Trump Gender Order. A three-judge panel granted 17 transgender women a temporary reprieve, allowing them a few weeks to pursue additional legal action. This ruling could pave the way for their transfer from women's facilities, aligning with the administration's directive on gender identity in federal prisons. The decision creates immediate uncertainty for the affected inmates and sets a precedent for how the Trump administration's gender order may be applied.
Watch live: Trump to court young voters at Turning Point USA event in Arizona
President Trump is headlining Turning Point USA’s (TPUSA) “Build the Red Wall” event in Arizona on Friday afternoon, addressing young voters. This appearance comes as Republicans aim to bolster support among younger demographics ahead of the November elections. The Trump administration is facing challenges with slipping backing among young voters due to the ongoing conflict in Iran and mounting affordability concerns. Trump's engagement with TPUSA is a strategic effort to re-energize and secure the youth vote for the Republican party. This event underscores the White House's focus on key demographics to maintain political strength.
Trump DOJ loses again, now 0 for 5 on voter roll cases, as court rejects Rhode Island lawsuit - Democracy Docket
The Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) lost another voter roll case, with a court rejecting its lawsuit against Rhode Island, according to Democracy Docket. This marks the fifth consecutive loss for the Trump DOJ in cases challenging state voter rolls. The ruling confirms the administration's repeated failures to prove alleged issues with voter registration maintenance in various states. This outcome reinforces the legal standing of Rhode Island's voter roll practices against federal challenges.
Trump tries to change conversation from war to the economy
President Trump traveled to Las Vegas on Thursday, aiming to shift public discourse from ongoing conflicts to economic issues. The President's visit included efforts to downplay concerns regarding rising gas prices. This move suggests an administration strategy to redirect public attention toward domestic economic performance amidst a period of international instability. The focus on the economy may be an attempt to bolster public confidence and manage perceptions of his administration's priorities.
How much of Project 2025 has Trump enacted?
Liz Landers reports on the extent to which President Trump has enacted proposals from Project 2025, a policy playbook drafted by the Heritage Foundation. White House budget director Russ Vought, a central figure in Project 2025's creation, is now key to implementing the Trump administration's agenda. Project 2025 outlines large-scale changes for a Republican president to enact, making Vought's role significant in its potential implementation. The report examines how many of these controversial proposals have become official policy under President Trump's current term.
Tracking the Trump family's business deals and profits in his 2nd term
President Trump's family members, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner and sons Eric and Don Jr., are significantly expanding their business ventures during his second term, generating hundreds of millions of dollars. This expansion is prompting renewed concerns regarding potential influence peddling and conflicts of interest within the administration. The financial activities of the Trump family are under scrutiny as Liz Landers reports on these developments.
Trump to Pick Ousted FEMA Head to Lead Agency Again
President Donald Trump plans to select Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL, to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) again. Hamilton previously headed the agency and ran unsuccessfully for Congress. This decision marks a return to leadership for Hamilton at a critical federal department responsible for disaster response and recovery. His prior experience leading FEMA will likely inform the administration's approach to national emergencies.
Trump administration to lobby allies to support 'trade over aid' push
The Trump administration plans to lobby international allies to support a "trade over aid" declaration at the UN. This initiative is part of a broader White House effort to fundamentally overhaul how the United States allocates billions of dollars in foreign assistance. The proposed "trade over aid" policy aims to prioritize economic partnerships over traditional financial aid. Eric Pelofsky, Vice President of Global Economic Recovery at The Rockefeller Foundation, stated that this new policy runs counter to US national interests, traditions, and values. This shift could significantly alter global development strategies and Washington's role in international aid.
Gabbard raised issues with spy law Trump is pushing to renew - Politico
Gabbard raised issues with a spy law that President Trump is currently pushing to renew. This law, often referred to as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), allows the U.S. government to collect communications of non-Americans located outside the country without a warrant. The Trump administration is advocating for its reauthorization, citing its importance for national security and intelligence gathering. Gabbard's concerns add to the debate surrounding the law's potential impact on privacy and civil liberties, especially as Congress considers its renewal.
WATCH: Trump says the pope has to understand that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon
President Donald Trump stated Thursday that Pope Leo XIV "has to understand that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon." This declaration comes as President Trump pushes back against Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran war. President Trump emphasized that he "has to do what's right" in this context. The statement highlights a clear divergence between the White House and the Vatican on the critical issue of Iran's nuclear capabilities and ongoing conflict. This public disagreement could signal potential diplomatic tensions between the United States and the Holy See.
Trump says it is important for Pope to understand Iran is a global threat - Reuters
President Donald Trump stated it is important for the Pope to understand that Iran is a global threat. This declaration from the sitting President highlights ongoing concerns from the White House regarding Iran's international activities and influence. The statement suggests a diplomatic effort to align international religious leaders with the Trump administration's foreign policy stance on Iran. Such an appeal to the Pope could aim to garner moral and diplomatic support for the administration's approach to the Middle East.
Greene slams evangelical leader’s defense of Trump after AI Jesus post
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) slammed Evangelical leader Franklin Graham on Thursday for defending President Trump. Graham had defended President Trump’s since-deleted social media post depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure. Graham, a close Trump ally, stated on X that he did not believe Trump would knowingly depict himself as Jesus Christ, referencing Trump’s explanation for the post. This public disagreement highlights a rare rift between prominent conservative figures over the President's actions. The incident centers on a controversial AI-generated image shared by President Trump.
Greene says Trump told her if her ‘son were to get killed,’ it would be her fault
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) revealed that President Trump told her "if my son were to get killed, it would be my fault." Greene made this statement during a "Piers Morgan Uncensored" podcast appearance, describing President Trump's response as "unkind" after she messaged him about death threats. These threats reportedly targeted Greene and her family following her resignation from Congress. Greene also indicated she reached out to FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the threats.
Hegseth compares media to Jewish biblical group that clashed with Jesus
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth compared the media's coverage of the Iran war to the Pharisees, a biblical Jewish group that clashed with Jesus. Hegseth described the Pentagon press corps as an "endless stream of garbage" and "relentlessly negative." This comparison drew a parallel between modern journalists and a historical religious group often depicted as legalistic and hypocritical in Christian tradition. The comments came amidst ongoing military operations in Iran, where the Trump administration faces scrutiny over its handling of the conflict. Hegseth's remarks highlight escalating tensions between the White House and news organizations regarding war reporting.
GOP anxiety over Trump, gas prices and war outlook: Join the live discussion
Republicans are expressing anxiety over several key issues, including President Trump's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and his prediction of higher gas prices in November. The GOP is also concerned about the ongoing war and the prospects for a budget reconciliation bill. This discussion focuses on how these factors are impacting Republican sentiment and the potential for a legislative solution to reopen the Department of Homeland Security. The live discussion aims to explore the political implications of these challenges for the party.
Scoop: Trump discussed "Jesus" meme with Bill Pulte before posting it, sources say
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.