In a media address within the White House complex, Trump attempted to justify his posting of this image. "I posted it. I thought it was me as a doctor. It was supposed to be me as a doctor, making people healthier," said Trump, denying claims that he was meant to be depicted as Jesus. Trump posted the image, which was generated using artificial intelligence, on Sunday evening, after previously criticizing Pope Leo XIV for his critiques of U.S. military actions against Iran and Venezuela. In the image, Trump is shown in a white robe touching a man who appears sick or dying with his right hand, while a powerful light emanates from his left hand, with the American flag, eagles, and military aircraft visible in the background. "I don't know if the president thought he was being funny or was under the influence of some substances or whatever could explain this obvious blasphemy," wrote Megan Basham, a conservative Christian commentator, in a post on X about the image. He was also criticized by numerous others, including former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was particularly bothered by the posting of the photo because it was published on Easter.