Donald Trump has posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed in papal regalia just 11 days after the death of Pope Francis.
The image, shared on Truth Social, shows US President Trump wearing a mitre with a large gold crucifix on a chain hanging around his neck.
From there, it was published without comment or explanation on the White House X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram accounts.
It comes just a few days after Trump joked that he’d like to be the pontiff when asked who he would like to succeed Francis.
When asked by reporters on the White House lawn, the American leader said: “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.”
From Donald Trump Truth Social 05/02/25 10:29 PM pic.twitter.com/6BmCkSY1Q8
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 3, 2025
He went on to say that he did not have a preference, but there was a cardinal in New York who was “very good”.
Trump was quickly accused of mocking Francis’ death on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure.
The Argentinian’s funeral - attended by the Prince of Wales and global leaders - took place in Rome last Saturday.
User comments, however, were mostly negative, with one saying that the image “isn’t funny. It’s not satire. And it’s not harmless”.
Another simply called it “disgusting”, while other reactions included “disturbing”, “disrespectful” and “offensive”.
