Trump Denies AI Pope Image, Posted on White House X, Amid Catholic Backlash; Melania Finds It 'Cute'

President Donald Trump has responded to criticism over an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope, which was shared on his social media accounts and the official White House X account. Trump denied any involvement in the creation of the image, stating that it was posted by someone else and that he had no knowledge of its origin. The image, which depicted Trump in papal vestments, sparked a backlash from some Catholics who felt it was offensive, especially in the wake of Pope Francis's recent death. Trump dismissed the criticism, suggesting that it was the media, not Catholics, who were offended, and claimed that Catholics 'loved it.' First Lady Melania Trump, a Catholic, reportedly found the image 'cute.' The controversy comes at a sensitive time as the Catholic Church prepares for the upcoming papal conclave on May 7 to elect a new pope following Pope Francis's funeral. Trump, who identifies as a non-denominational Christian, has drawn sharp rebukes from Catholic leaders, including the New York State Catholic Conference, which accused him of mocking their faith. The image has garnered significant attention, with the White House X post receiving 106 million views.