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.
Latest Developments
Johnson says he asked Trump to take down AI Jesus image
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated on Tuesday that he asked President Trump to remove an AI image depicting the President as Jesus Christ. Johnson conveyed his concerns to President Trump immediately after seeing the image, noting it was not being well-received. This interaction highlights a rare public instance of a high-ranking Republican leader advising the President on his public imagery. The request suggests an effort to manage the President's public perception, particularly concerning religious iconography.
Trump summons FISA holdouts to the White House - Politico
President Trump has summoned lawmakers identified as "FISA holdouts" to the White House. This meeting aims to address their concerns regarding the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a key national security tool that has faced bipartisan criticism over its Section 702 authority. The administration is seeking to reauthorize or reform FISA, which allows for surveillance of non-U.S. persons located outside the United States. The holdouts' resistance could impede efforts to renew the controversial surveillance program before its expiration. This high-level intervention underscores the White House's push to secure legislative support for FISA's future.
Postal Service union rolls out ‘American needs Vote by Mail’ ad campaign amid Trump attacks
The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has launched an advertisement campaign titled "America Needs Vote by Mail" to advocate for mail-in voting. This initiative comes as President Trump has recently criticized the practice of mail-in voting. The ad features diverse individuals, including a flight attendant, college student, and farmer, explaining their reasons for utilizing vote by mail. This campaign directly counters the President's stance on mail-in voting, highlighting the union's support for the method. The APWU's effort underscores the ongoing national debate surrounding voting access and election procedures.
Women snatch MAGA's megaphone
Conservative women are gaining influence within the fracturing MAGA media ecosystem, stepping into a vacuum created by male figures who have become critical of President Trump. Candace Owens' podcast has been the fastest-growing right-wing podcast for the past two quarters, while Megyn Kelly's podcast entered the top 20 shows in the U.S. last year, per Edison Research. This shift allows conservative women to expand the movement's reach to new voters, particularly as the Democratic edge among women has narrowed. Owens and Kelly have surged in popularity by taking oppositional stances against President Trump regarding the war with Iran and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Other women, like Katie Miller, are focusing on culture and lifestyle to attract conservative women, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also credited for attracting women to MAGA politics.
Johnson says he told Trump to take down image of president-as-Jesus - Politico
Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he advised President Donald Trump to remove an image depicting the president as Jesus. This interaction suggests Johnson, a prominent Republican leader, directly intervened regarding a potentially controversial portrayal of the sitting President. The advice highlights sensitivities around religious imagery used in political contexts, particularly concerning a figure like President Trump. Johnson's counsel indicates an effort to manage the President's public image or messaging.
Key Facts
President Trump has publicly feuded with Pope Leo XIV, calling him 'weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy' and criticizing his stance on the Iran war.
Source: CBS News, PBS NewsHour, Al Jazeera
Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, which he later deleted after widespread backlash.
Source: The Hill, USA Today, Al Jazeera
The image and his comments angered Christian conservatives and Catholic leaders, who deemed it 'blasphemy'.
Source: The Hill, TIME, AP News
Trump has refused to apologize for his criticism of Pope Leo XIV.
Source: PBS NewsHour, Al Jazeera
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Trump's rant against Pope Leo 'unacceptable'.
Source: The Hill, Reuters
Recent Highlights
Trump posts an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure.
President Trump makes comments targeting Pope Leo XIV, calling him 'weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy'.
Trump states he does not owe Pope Leo an apology and doubles down on his criticism.
Trump deletes the controversial AI image from his social media.
Christian conservatives and Catholic leaders condemn Trump's AI post as 'blasphemy'.
Full Coverage (60 articles)
Showing 20 of 60 articles
Johnson says he asked Trump to take down AI Jesus image
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated on Tuesday that he asked President Trump to remove an AI image depicting the President as Jesus Christ. Johnson conveyed his concerns to President Trump immediately after seeing the image, noting it was not being well-received. This interaction highlights a rare public instance of a high-ranking Republican leader advising the President on his public imagery. The request suggests an effort to manage the President's public perception, particularly concerning religious iconography.
Trump summons FISA holdouts to the White House - Politico
President Trump has summoned lawmakers identified as "FISA holdouts" to the White House. This meeting aims to address their concerns regarding the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a key national security tool that has faced bipartisan criticism over its Section 702 authority. The administration is seeking to reauthorize or reform FISA, which allows for surveillance of non-U.S. persons located outside the United States. The holdouts' resistance could impede efforts to renew the controversial surveillance program before its expiration. This high-level intervention underscores the White House's push to secure legislative support for FISA's future.
Postal Service union rolls out ‘American needs Vote by Mail’ ad campaign amid Trump attacks
The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has launched an advertisement campaign titled "America Needs Vote by Mail" to advocate for mail-in voting. This initiative comes as President Trump has recently criticized the practice of mail-in voting. The ad features diverse individuals, including a flight attendant, college student, and farmer, explaining their reasons for utilizing vote by mail. This campaign directly counters the President's stance on mail-in voting, highlighting the union's support for the method. The APWU's effort underscores the ongoing national debate surrounding voting access and election procedures.
Women snatch MAGA's megaphone
Conservative women are gaining influence within the fracturing MAGA media ecosystem, stepping into a vacuum created by male figures who have become critical of President Trump. Candace Owens' podcast has been the fastest-growing right-wing podcast for the past two quarters, while Megyn Kelly's podcast entered the top 20 shows in the U.S. last year, per Edison Research. This shift allows conservative women to expand the movement's reach to new voters, particularly as the Democratic edge among women has narrowed. Owens and Kelly have surged in popularity by taking oppositional stances against President Trump regarding the war with Iran and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Other women, like Katie Miller, are focusing on culture and lifestyle to attract conservative women, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also credited for attracting women to MAGA politics.
Johnson says he told Trump to take down image of president-as-Jesus - Politico
Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he advised President Donald Trump to remove an image depicting the president as Jesus. This interaction suggests Johnson, a prominent Republican leader, directly intervened regarding a potentially controversial portrayal of the sitting President. The advice highlights sensitivities around religious imagery used in political contexts, particularly concerning a figure like President Trump. Johnson's counsel indicates an effort to manage the President's public image or messaging.
Most Americans opposed to Trump signature on money: Poll
A recent Economist/YouGov poll indicates that most Americans oppose the Treasury Department's plan to add President Trump's signature to U.S. paper currency. Fifty-nine percent of respondents expressed disapproval of the move, which was announced last month. This public sentiment suggests significant resistance to a highly visible change in the nation's monetary symbols. The Treasury Department, part of the Trump administration, is responsible for the design and issuance of currency. This poll highlights a notable public reaction to the administration's decision regarding the appearance of U.S. money.
Exclusive: Trump’s son Eric to join father's state visit to China - Reuters
Eric Trump, son of President Donald Trump, will accompany his father on an upcoming state visit to China, according to a Reuters exclusive. This marks a notable inclusion of a presidential family member on a high-level diplomatic trip. The presence of Eric Trump, who has business interests, could raise questions about the blurring lines between presidential duties and family affairs. The visit itself is a significant diplomatic engagement between the United States and China.
Hegseth-linked pastor knocks Trump over AI Jesus image: ‘He has to do better’
A pastor linked to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized President Trump regarding an artificial intelligence (AI) image that appeared to depict the president as Jesus Christ. President Trump had stated the image showed him as a doctor healing people. The pastor expressed relief that Trump deleted the image and rejected the portrayal. This incident highlights religious sensitivities surrounding the use of AI imagery involving political figures.
Trump doubles down on feud with Pope Leo amid backlash over post depicting him as Jesus
President Trump reiterated his ongoing feud with Pope Leo XIV during an interview with CBS News' Norah O'Donnell, stating the pontiff is "wrong on the issues." This follows a social media backlash against a now-deleted AI image posted by Mr. Trump depicting him as Jesus Christ. The President defended the image to reporters, claiming he thought it made him look like a doctor. This public dispute between the sitting President and the head of the Catholic Church marks a significant point of contention. CBS News' Chris Livesay and Olivia Rinaldi are covering the story.
Pelosi says Trump’s pope outburst, Jesus post worthy ‘of a diagnosis’
House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stated that President Trump's recent outburst involving Pope Leo XIV and a "Jesus post" is "worthy of a diagnosis." Pelosi made the comments during an event at George Washington University on Monday, suggesting the incident was beyond a mere conversation. Her remarks came after President Trump's clash with Pope Leo XIV regarding the ongoing war in Iran, where Trump had accused the pontiff. This public criticism from a prominent Democratic figure highlights the contentious nature of the President's recent actions and rhetoric.
How Pope Leo's call for peace differs from Trump's messaging on power
President Trump is engaged in a feud with Pope Leo XIV, as reported by CBS News' Chris Livesay. This conflict highlights differing approaches to messaging unity between the two leaders. The story examines how Pope Leo XIV's calls for peace contrast with President Trump's focus on power. This comparison offers insight into the distinct philosophies guiding both figures on global and societal cohesion.
Trump faces bipartisan backlash after posting image appearing to depict him like Jesus
President Trump is facing bipartisan backlash for posting an AI-generated image that appeared to depict him in the likeness of Jesus. The image was later deleted by the President, as reported by Weijia Jiang. This action has drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic parties. The incident highlights the President's use of social media and AI-generated content, as well as the immediate political reactions such posts can provoke.
Trump faces bipartisan backlash after posting image appearing to depict him like Jesus
President Trump is facing bipartisan backlash after posting an AI-generated image that appeared to depict him in the likeness of Jesus. The image, which he later deleted, drew criticism from both political parties. This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny of the President's social media activity and its reception across the political spectrum. Weijia Jiang reported on the development.
Pope says doesn't fear Trump as he pushes back in Iran war feud
Pope Leo XIV publicly responded to President Donald Trump's criticism regarding the US-Israel war in Iran, asserting that the Vatican's calls for peace are grounded in the Gospel and that he does not fear the Trump administration. This exchange highlights a diplomatic rift between the Vatican and the White House over the ongoing conflict in Iran. The Pope's statements indicate a firm stance against the Trump administration's foreign policy in the region. This public disagreement underscores the Vatican's commitment to its moral principles despite political pressure from a major global power.
Vance wades into Trump’s feud with Pope Leo
Vice President Vance downplayed concerns regarding President Trump’s ongoing feud with Pope Leo XIV. Vance suggested the dispute was not newsworthy, despite Trump having recently clashed with the leader of the Catholic Church over the war in Iran. President Trump called Pope Leo XIV "weak on crime" in a social media post on Sunday. This public disagreement highlights tensions between the White House and the Vatican. Vance's comments came as he promotes an upcoming project.
Trump has turned Title X upside down: from a contraception program into a pro-natalist machine | Moira Donegan
The Trump administration is reimagining the federal Title X program, transforming it from a contraception program into a "pro-natalist machine." This shift follows earlier attempts by the administration to defund Title X, now aiming to encourage women to have more children. The move is driven by religious anti-abortion conservatives and pronatalist tech reactionaries within the administration. This effort builds on the 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, and has included discussions of "baby bonuses" and "motherhood medals." These proposals reflect the administration's focus on increasing birth rates.
Trump angers Catholics in targeting Pope Leo XIV over Iran war pushback
President Trump is in an escalating feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff for his pushback against the Iran war. The President posted on Truth Social, calling the Pope "weak" on crime, further intensifying the rare disagreement. This public conflict risks alienating Trump's Catholic voting bloc and could complicate matters for Catholic members of his administration, including the First Lady. The dispute centers on the Pope's stance regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran.
'Shocking attack': Italian press reacts to Trump's feud with pope
US President Donald Trump posted and then deleted an AI-generated image of himself as a Jesus-like figure on Sunday, drawing criticism from various groups. This action occurred amidst an escalating feud between President Trump and Pope Leo, who has publicly condemned the war initiated by US-Israeli strikes on Iran as inhumane. Italian newspapers are reacting with shock to President Trump's online post and his ongoing dispute with the Pope. The incident has generated widespread criticism, even from some religious conservatives who typically support the President. France 24's correspondent Seema Gupta is reporting on the Italian press's response to these developments.
In Leo, Trump Faces a Different Kind of Papal Opponent - The New York Times
President Donald Trump is encountering a new form of opposition from a papal figure identified as "Leo." This development highlights a unique challenge for the White House, as the current President now faces a "different kind of papal opponent" compared to previous interactions with religious leaders. The situation suggests a potential shift in the dynamics between the Trump administration and the Vatican. This encounter could influence public discourse and diplomatic relations, particularly given the global reach of the papacy.
In Leo, Trump Faces a Different Kind of Papal Opponent
President Trump faces a new challenge in Pope Leo XIV, who is described as a different kind of papal opponent. Unlike the previous pontiff, Pope Leo XIV commands growing support from a broad segment of conservative Catholics. This dynamic suggests a potentially more formidable religious figure for the Trump administration to contend with on policy or cultural issues. The Pope's strong conservative backing could amplify any disagreements with the White House, affecting political discourse or public opinion.