​President’s Social Media Post, Shared Days After Pope Francis’ Death, Draws Mixed Reactions of Humor and Outrage

Washington, D.C. – US President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of debate after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed in papal attire on his Truth Social platform and X on Friday night, May 2, 2025. The provocative post, which depicts Trump seated on a throne in white papal robes adorned with gold accents and a large cross, comes just 11 days after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, and days before the Vatican’s conclave to elect a new pope on May 7.

The image, which was also shared by the official White House X account, follows Trump’s earlier jest to reporters on Tuesday, when he quipped, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice,” when asked about his preference for Pope Francis’ successor. He also mentioned Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York as a potential contender, though he noted he had “no preference.”

Reactions to the post have been sharply divided. Supporters, including some social media users, found the image humorous, with one writing, “Funniest man alive and it’s not even close,” and another commenting, “Make Vatican Great Again,” echoing Trump’s campaign slogan. Comedian Terrance K. Williams posted on X, “Pope Trump... Lol our President just posted this. He’s trolling because he knows the media is going to flip out. Love it.”

However, critics, particularly within the Catholic community, condemned the post as disrespectful and insensitive, given the timing after Pope Francis’ death at age 88 due to a stroke and heart failure. One X user wrote, “This is extremely disrespectful and narcissistic. Republicans really voted for that,” while another stated, “He posting himself as the Pope isn’t just absurd, it’s a blasphemous mockery of faith, power, and democracy.” Melanie D’Arrigo, a former Democratic congressional candidate, added, “The guy who broke all 10 commandments is posting pictures of himself cosplaying as the next Pope.”

The backlash intensified as some accused Trump of mocking the late Pope and the Catholic Church’s mourning period. “How disrespectful to Catholics. That is what Trump and his maggots are all about, disrespect and meanness and stupidity. How dare you mock the process we Catholics go through to pick a new pope,” one user commented. Another critic called the post “truly disgraceful” and an insult to Pope Francis’ legacy.

Trump, who attended Pope Francis’ funeral at St. Peter’s Square on April 26 alongside other world leaders, has not commented further on the post, which was shared without a caption. The image’s viral spread has fueled speculation about Trump’s intentions, with some suggesting it was a deliberate jab at the Catholic Church, while others view it as characteristic of his provocative social media presence. One user speculated, “Perhaps he’s trying to send a message to the Catholic Church to ‘NOT elect a liberal Pope, but rather a Great Pope again.’”

The controversy comes as the Vatican prepares for a historic conclave, with cardinals set to choose a successor to Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope. While Trump’s name-dropping of Cardinal Dolan stirred some discussion, there has never been a US pope, and other contenders, such as Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, are considered frontrunners.

As the debate rages online, the incident underscores the polarizing nature of Trump’s social media activity, with the AI-generated image now dubbed “Pope Trump” by some, trending across platforms. Whether seen as a jest or an affront, the post has once again placed Trump at the center of a global conversation, this time intersecting with the solemn traditions of the Catholic Church.