Donald Trump has removed a controversial Truth Social post depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, after a growing backlash.
The AI-generated image, which showed Trump appearing to heal a sick man in a hospital bed, sparked fierce criticism from across the US political spectrum, including from some of Trump’s most ardent supporters.
It was published hours after Trump posted a lengthy message attacking Pope Leo XIV, a vocal critic of the US and Israeli military operation in Iran, calling him "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy".
Pope Leo – the first American Pope – has condemned the war in Iran, saying it has led to "absurd and inhuman violence". The Pope said he had "no fear" of the Trump administration or "speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do".
Trump acknowledged posting the picture, telling reporters he thought it was "me as a doctor". The now-deleted image showed Trump, wearing a white robe, with a glowing hand on the forehead of a sick man, which critics said was similar to religious paintings showing Jesus healing the infirm.
The background of the images included the Statue of Liberty, a large US flag fluttering, fighter jets and an eagle, as well as a nurse, a woman praying and what appeared to be a soldier in uniform.
Meanwhile US warships have begun enforcing a blockade of Iran and the strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have edged up after the failure of peace talks between the US and Iran. And in Lebanon, Israel is continuing its assault in the south of the country.
Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Aleem Maqbool, James Landale, Frank Gardner, Sarah Smith, Chris Mason, Simon Jack and Hugo Bachega.
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