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President Donald Trump is once again facing backlash online after sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope—just days after attending Pope Francis’s funeral in Vatican City. The controversial post has been widely criticized as insensitive and inappropriate.
Trump shared the AI-rendered image on his Truth Social platform and Instagram, with the White House’s official X (formerly Twitter) account also posting it. The image, which shows Trump in full papal regalia, quickly ignited criticism from users who deemed it disrespectful to the late Pontiff.
“That’s so disrespectful. Not funny,” one user wrote. Another sharply questioned, “Trump have you lost your mind,” despite Trump’s decision to limit comments on the original post.
The backlash comes shortly after the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 following months of deteriorating health. His condition began with a bout of bronchitis, which led to a 38-day hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. His final public appearance came just hours before his death, when he offered Easter blessings from the Popemobile in St. Peter’s Square.
The funeral, held last Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, drew world leaders including President Joe Biden, Prince William, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, also attended the service and was seen approaching the coffin to pay respects.
However, social media users pointed out another misstep during the solemn event. A clip shared on X showed Trump and Melania stepping onto the rug where Pope Francis’s coffin rested—something others appeared to avoid. “Trump and Melania – the only two stepping over the rug where Pope Francis’s coffin sits… jeeeezzz!” one user noted. Another added, “I’m sure they were given instructions to stay off the rug. But, nooooo!”
The rug is said to mark a hallowed area, considered holy ground, and stepping on it is generally discouraged according to long-standing Vatican tradition.
Trump’s choice of attire also drew attention. Wearing a bright blue suit, he stood out from the sea of black typically worn at such occasions. “How disrespectful, Trump is at the Pope’s funeral wearing a blue suit and he looks completely out of place,” one critic commented.
Despite the wave of criticism, Trump still received support from his base. “God Bless President Trump,” one supporter wrote. Another added, “All leaders are welcome at a Pope’s funeral.”
