Trump posts image of himself as pope on Truth Social. Critics erupt

President Donald Trump has posted an AI-generated image of himself in papal regalia, just 11 days after Pope Francis’ death.

The image, posted on Truth Social, shows President Trump dressed in white wearing a papal hat, known as a mitre, with a large crucifix hanging around his neck.

It comes after the president joked that he’d like to be the pontiff when asked who he would like to succeed Pope Francis. He said to reporters on the White House lawn: “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.”

Trump went on to say that he did not have a preference but that there was a cardinal in New York who was “very good,” likely referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York.

The conclave to select a new pontiff is now underway after the death of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure.

The post has been met with bemusement and criticism, with many describing it as disrespectful.

“Please take this down,” pleaded one social media user. “Many Catholics, myself included, find this as a great disrespect to the past and future leader of our church.”

Another responded: “Trump, as someone outside the U.S., I find your post utterly disrespectful to the Catholic community worldwide. The papacy is a sacred institution for millions, and this mockery is an affront to their beliefs.”

“Completely disrespectful. The Catholic community is mourning and you post this?”

The president was criticised over his appearance at Pope Francis’ funeral last week, after he attended wearing a non-traditional blue suit and was seen chewing gum during the ceremony.

Some critics also suggested his meeting on the sidelines with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was inappropriate.