US President Donald Trump sparked intense online debate by sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as a pope on Truth Social and the White House’s X account at 10:29 p.m. on Friday, May 2.

Posted without a caption, the image—showing Trump in white papal robes and a mitre—came days after he jested on April 29 about wanting to be Pope, following Pope Francis’s death on April 21. Trump attended the late pontiff’s funeral in Vatican City on April 26, ahead of the May 7 conclave to select a successor.

The post triggered a polarized response. Supporters, like comedian Terrance K. Williams, embraced the humor, posting on X, “Pope Trump! He’s trolling, and I love it!” South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham joined the jest, writing, “First Pope-US President combo? Watching for white smoke!”

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Others were outraged. Melanie D’Arrigo, a former Democratic candidate, fumed on X, “He broke all 10 commandments, yet cosplays as Pope.” X user Therese Clarke (@AUSegyptology) called it “disgraceful,” accusing Trump of insulting Francis by flouting Vatican funeral protocols and now mocking the papacy.

Critics, including user Lepus (@LepusNox), slammed the post as arrogant and unbecoming of a president, especially amid Catholic mourning.

The image, reminiscent of a 2023 AI-generated viral of Francis in a puffer coat, fueled debates over AI’s role in political provocation, amplifying both praise for Trump’s audacity and condemnation for its insensitivity.

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