President addresses backlash after deleting post, saying image symbolized medical care and support rather than a depiction of Jesus Christ.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

President Donald Trump said Monday that a viral image he posted showing himself appearing to heal a sick person was intended to depict him as “a doctor,” not a religious figure, following criticism that the image resembled portrayals of Jesus Christ.

The image, which Trump posted to Truth Social and later deleted, showed him in robes placing his hand on a bedridden individual. The post came shortly after Trump publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV over the pope’s stance on Operation Epic Fury and other issues.

“It was me,” Trump said. “I did post it and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do with the Red Cross as a Red Cross worker there which we support, and only the fake news could come up with that one.”

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He added, “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better, and I do make people better.”

The image had generated reaction online, including posts that questioned whether it was authentic or created using artificial intelligence. Critics said the depiction resembled religious imagery, contributing to the controversy.

The press appearance included an exchange with a delivery driver, Sharon Simmons, who had brought food to the White House. Trump acknowledged that her husband was undergoing cancer treatment, telling her, “He’s going through some very serious cancer treatment, so this goes a long way,” after she confirmed the situation.

The deleted post followed a series of statements from Trump criticizing Pope Leo XIV, continuing an ongoing public disagreement between the administration and the Vatican.

Separately, Trump referenced prior legislative actions, including signing a reconciliation bill on July 4, 2025, that made permanent tax cuts originally enacted in 2017, eliminated taxes on overtime pay and tips, and introduced tax deductions for loans on vehicles manufactured in the United States.