In a surprising turn of events, even President Donald Trump’s loyal MAGA base has begun to turn against him after his controversial AI-generated image of himself as Pope, which he posted on Truth Social. The image, shared by Trump late Friday night, was intended to be a playful and humorous take, but it quickly backfired among his supporters, especially Catholic members of the MAGA community.
Trump, in a conversation with reporters, mentioned that he “would like to be Pope,” jokingly adding that he was his “No. 1 choice” to replace the late Pope Francis. The AI-generated image showed Trump dressed in papal robes, which he shared with his followers on Truth Social, sparking a strong backlash from both religious conservatives and prominent figures within his circle.
A Breakdown in the MAGA Base
For many of Trump’s die-hard followers, the joke seemed to cross a line. One commentator on X (formerly Twitter) expressed their frustration, writing, “This is worse than trolling. You’re going to lose a lot of Catholic support over stunts like this.” The commentator, who identified as a conservative Catholic, made it clear that Trump’s attempt at humor wasn’t well received, especially within the context of deeply held religious beliefs.
Others joined in, voicing their displeasure over the post. A self-described Catholic supporter wrote, “I love Trump but find his Pope meme disrespectful and insulting. God will not be mocked. Not a wise decision. That said, I pray for him. I pray for America.” This sentiment echoed throughout the conservative Catholic community, where many felt that such a “joke” was offensive and inappropriate, especially given the sacred nature of the papacy in the Catholic faith.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 3, 2025
Read Also: “Trump the Pope? AI Image Sparks Uproar from Vatican to Voters”
Catholic Leaders Speak Out
The backlash wasn’t limited to online commentators. Prominent Catholics also criticized Trump’s actions. Anthony Scaramucci, Trump’s former White House communications director and a practicing Catholic, took to social media to express his dismay. Scaramucci wrote, “Yes, I get it. You are trolling and trying to trigger all of us. Especially us Catholics. But the arrogance and general stupidity and the disgrace that you represent will blow back on all of you.”
This response highlights how even Trump’s inner circle isn’t immune to the fallout. Scaramucci, known for his candid remarks, described the post as a “disgrace” and warned that such actions would have negative consequences, both for Trump’s image and for his relationship with religious conservatives.
I love Trump but find his Pope meme disrespectful and insulting. God will not be mocked. Not a wise decision
— Oklahoma Gamgee ✝️ (@cigar_vet) May 3, 2025
That said I pray for him. I pray for America. ✝️🇺🇸📿🙏
Public Outrage: “One-Way Ticket to Hell”
The ridicule didn’t stop with Scaramucci. In a segment that gained significant attention, comedian Colin Jost pointed out what many saw as the “creepiest” part of Trump’s Pope image. Jost, known for his sharp comedic insights, ridiculed the portrayal of Trump as a pope, calling it a “one-way ticket to hell.” His comments resonated with many, including other conservative figures who felt that the image was not only disrespectful but also sacrilegious.
As a general rule, I'm fine with people telling jokes and not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen. https://t.co/2WQPsofVIH
— JD Vance (@JDVance) May 3, 2025
Vice President JD Vance, another high-profile Trump ally, attempted to brush off the controversy, suggesting that people should focus on more serious issues, such as the ongoing conflicts in foreign policy. Vance tweeted, “As a general rule, I’m fine with people telling jokes and not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen.” His message implied that while humor may be the intention behind Trump’s Pope meme, it paled in comparison to the more pressing matters facing the nation.
Calls for Trump to Cease the “Offensive and Sacrilegious Behavior”
As the controversy continued to unfold, a wave of critical comments poured in, with many expressing deep concern over the religious implications of Trump’s actions. One X user wrote, “Mr. President—please cease this offensive and sacrilegious behavior,” adding that such actions would have been more acceptable if it were a different religious figure being mocked. “Would you do a similar joke with other religions’ leaders?” they questioned. The remark pointed to the double standard that some perceived in Trump’s actions, urging him to reconsider his approach to humor when it concerns sensitive topics.
Another commentator on X, Juan Santana, condemned the meme as “EXTREMELY DISRESPECTFUL towards Catholics.” He called it a poor judgment call and said he had hoped that both Trump and the White House account had been hacked—since the post seemed so out of character for the former president. “I voted for you, and I’m disgusted,” Santana added, revealing the deep divide within Trump’s supporter base over the issue.
I voted for you and I'm disgusted
— Maria Gerardy (@APGerardy) May 3, 2025
MAGA Catholics Double Down on Support
Despite the mounting criticism, some of Trump’s supporters doubled down, defending his actions as a form of humor and free speech. One commentator wrote, “Nope!!! Didn’t lose me!!! I LOVE the humor and trolling @potus does of all the Libtards and Democrats!!!!” This comment reflected the loyalty that remains intact among certain MAGA voters, who view Trump’s antics as a form of resistance against the political establishment and the “liberal elite.”
Another X user echoed similar sentiments, saying, “It’s a joke. It is not even an offensive joke, and I’m Catholic.” This defense suggests that while Trump’s humor may not resonate with everyone, a significant portion of his base is willing to overlook the criticisms, seeing the post as just another example of his defiant, unconventional style.
Conclusion: The Fallout Continues
The uproar over Trump’s Pope meme serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between the former president and his religious base. While his loyal supporters may continue to embrace his humor, others—especially within the Catholic community—feel that such stunts go too far and tarnish the image of the leader they once supported.
As the story continues to unfold, it’s clear that Trump’s attempt at humor has sparked a divide, not only in the general public but also among his staunchest supporters. The question remains whether this controversy will have lasting consequences for his political future, particularly as he continues to court the Catholic vote in the lead-up to future elections.
