Just a week after Pope Francis was laid to rest in front of hundreds of thousands in St. Peter’s Square, Donald Trump has sparked outrage once again—this time for an AI-generated image he posted online. Trump and First Lady Melania attended the funeral alongside world leaders from France, Ukraine, the UK, and more.
However, attention quickly shifted from mourning to controversy when Trump, already under fire for his choice of a blue suit instead of the traditional black, took to Instagram to share a bizarre depiction of himself dressed as the pope. Wearing a cream-colored robe and mitre, seated on a golden throne with a raised finger, the image left social media users stunned. Many called it “a new low,” branding it not only tasteless and inappropriate but deeply disrespectful to the Catholic faith. But it wasn’t just the outfit that stirred backlash—Trump also made a shocking suggestion about who he believed should succeed Pope Francis…
As it turns out, Trump jokingly floated his own name when asked about the next pope, telling reporters, “I’d like to be pope—that’d be my number one choice.” Social media exploded with mockery and disbelief, with critics calling him “blasphemous” and “tone-deaf.” Comments ranged from humorous disbelief—“A convicted pope”—to outrage over how little Trump seemed to understand or respect the gravity of the position.
The backlash only intensified after his earlier remarks, made just before the funeral, where instead of focusing on the legacy of Pope Francis, Trump shifted attention to trade deals and political strategy. Critics online slammed his lack of decorum, claiming he used the funeral as a diplomatic opportunity rather than a moment of reverence. With each move, many argue, Trump strays further from statesmanship and deeper into spectacle.
