Official White House social media accounts repost AI image of US President Donald Trump dressed like Pope

A Catholic mitre from the 19th century, similar to the one that appeared to be worn by US President Donald Trump in an AI-generated image that was shared by his Truth Social account, and subsequently reposted by White House social media accounts.
Image: Federigo Federighi.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

On Friday, US White House social media accounts reposted an AI-generated image that appeared to show US President Donald Trump wearing a white bishop’s hat and white cassock, with white buttons and white pellegrina. The image bore great similarity to the Pope’s garments. President Trump himself had posted the image to his Truth Social account. The posts came as the Catholic Church mourns the death of Pope Francis, which occurred eleven days prior on April 21. Trump had joked about wanting to be Pope to reporters several days before the post was published.

A spokesperson for the New York State Catholic Conference criticized the post on X, stating that the president was “mocking” the faith. They said in a statement: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter. Do not mock us.” Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi also criticized the post, expressing his belief that the image “offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around.”

The White House denied that the post was intended to affront or disparage the Catholic Church. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was quoted saying: “President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects to Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty.”

The Vatican declined to comment on Trump’s post.

The event of a pope’s death and the subsequent election is traditionally approached with “utmost solemnity” among practionioners of the Catholic faith in the Vatican, according to AP News.

Former US President Joe Biden had previously been accused of mocking the Catholic faith due to a gesture at a pro-choice rally.

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