May 4, 2025
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again ignited a wave of online backlash and debate—this time after sharing a digitally altered image of himself dressed as the pope.
The image, posted on Truth Social, his proprietary social media platform, featured Trump in full papal regalia: white robes, golden cross, and a towering mitre, captioned simply, “Only one can lead.”
The post, which appeared late Friday night, quickly went viral, drawing both amusement and outrage across social media platforms. While some supporters hailed the image as a symbol of his spiritual leadership and “divine mission,” critics condemned it as blasphemous, egotistical, and disrespectful to the Catholic Church.
A Deliberate Provocation?
Political analysts and cultural commentators were quick to weigh in. “Trump has always used grandiosity and visual symbolism to galvanize his base,” said Dr. Karen Noles, a professor of political communication. “But portraying himself as the pope crosses a religious line that many Americans—especially Catholics—take seriously.”
Within hours, the Vatican issued a rare public statement without naming Trump directly, reaffirming the sanctity of the papacy and warning against “the trivialization of sacred symbols for personal or political gain.”
The Catholic League, a U.S.-based Catholic civil rights group, also responded. President Bill Donohue said in a statement, “We find the image in poor taste. The papacy is not a costume or a branding opportunity.”
Political Theater or Misjudgment?
For Trump, controversy is familiar territory. From his mugshot-turned-merchandise to photoshopped images of himself as a warrior or superhero, such portrayals have become a regular part of his media strategy.
Some believe the “pope image” is just another extension of his myth-making persona—a calculated move to dominate the news cycle and signal authority to his most loyal followers.
Others, however, see it as a dangerous escalation.
“Equating oneself with a spiritual leader revered by over a billion people is not just provocative—it’s deeply offensive,” tweeted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “We should all be alarmed by the normalization of this kind of narcissistic imagery.”
The Bigger Picture
This incident comes amid a critical time for Trump, who is campaigning for a second term in the 2024 U.S. presidential race. He continues to face legal challenges, including several trials set to take place in the coming months.
Political observers say this latest stunt is likely aimed at rallying his base and distracting from mounting pressures.
Whether the image boosts his standing or alienates religious voters remains to be seen. But if there’s one thing certain about Donald Trump, it’s that controversy follows him—and often, he’s the one inviting it in.