WASHINGTON — The White House ignited a storm of social media reactions Friday after it posted an image depicting President Donald Trump dressed as the pope, days after the president joked he would like to lead the Roman Catholic Church following Pope Francis’ death.
The digitally altered image shows Trump seated, wearing papal white garments, a mitre atop his head, and a large crucifix necklace. His right index finger is pointed upward in a gesture commonly associated with religious instruction or authority. The image appeared not only on the official White House account on X, formerly known as Twitter, but was also shared by Trump on his Truth Social and Instagram accounts.
The post followed Trump’s off-the-cuff remark to reporters earlier this week, in which he quipped, “That would be my number one choice,” when asked about his future plans. The comment came just days after the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, following complications from a stroke and heart failure. Trump later attended the pontiff’s funeral in Vatican City, where world leaders gathered to pay their respects.
The image’s publication triggered an avalanche of responses, ranging from harsh criticism to amusement. The account “Republicans Against Trump” reposted the image with the comment, “Donald Trump just posted a photo of himself as the Pope. It’s full-on lunacy at this point.” Another user on X wrote, “I’m not American. I’m not even a Catholic. But as a human being I am beyond offended by this image, and that someone in The White House actually CHOSE to repost this. Grow up!”
Still, others online reacted with humor. One post read, “Trump!! 😂 Wicked,” capturing the surreal nature of the image as it quickly spread across social media platforms.
The Vatican has made no public comment on the image or Trump’s remark. The process to elect the next head of the Catholic Church is set to begin on May 7 in a conclave held behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel, where 135 cardinals will vote on the next pontiff.
The White House has not issued a formal statement clarifying why the image was shared, nor whether it was intended as satire, tribute, or political messaging. Critics have called the post tone-deaf, especially in the immediate aftermath of a religious leader’s death, while supporters view it as another example of Trump’s irreverent persona and ongoing dominance of political discourse.
The image’s release underscores Trump’s continued embrace of provocative political theater, blending digital memes, religious symbolism, and viral media strategy even amid solemn global events.
