President Donald Trump attempted to explain away a controversial social media post that depicted him as a Jesus-like figure, claiming he thought it showed him as a physician rather than the Messiah. The image, which Trump deleted after significant backlash, showed him in religious robes healing a sick man with divine light radiating from his hand.

Trump posted the image on his Truth Social platform shortly after attacking Pope Leo XIV, an American-born pontiff who has been critical of the U.S. war in Iran. The president has not apologized for either post, maintaining his typical stance of refusing to back down from controversial statements. This incident follows a pattern of Trump's inflammatory social media activity, including a racist video he deleted in February only after pressure from Republican lawmakers.

Standing next to a DoorDash delivery person during a staged Oval Office event promoting his tax policies, Trump defended his actions, saying "I make people better" when questioned about the religious imagery. The episode drew criticism from religious leaders and conservative figures, including evangelical journalist David Brody, who called for the image's removal. Trump's pattern of posting inflammatory content without apology continues to generate controversy while maintaining support from his base.