Trump Deletes AI Image After Gaines Criticism

President Donald Trump deleted a controversial AI-generated image from his Truth Social platform on Monday after it drew widespread criticism for depicting him in a Jesus-like pose, including rebuke from conservative activist Riley Gaines, who later reaffirmed her support for him despite his public dismissal of her.

The image, posted Sunday, showed Trump in white and red robes extending a hand emitting light toward an elderly man in a hospital bed, with an American flag, flying eagles, and radiant clouds in the background. Many viewers interpreted it as portraying Trump as a messianic figure healing the sick, prompting accusations of blasphemy from across political lines, particularly among religious conservatives.

Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer and vocal opponent of transgender athletes in women's sports, was among the first to criticize the post publicly. On X, formerly Twitter, she reposted a screenshot of the image and wrote, "Seriously, I cannot understand why he'd post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this? Either way, two things are true. 1 a little humility would serve him well. 2 God shall not be mocked."