Franklin Graham Calls Trump AI Jesus Meme Backlash 'A Lot To Do About Nothing' as Controversy Divides Christians

Franklin Graham Defends Trump Over Deleted AI Jesus Image, Calls Backlash 'A Lot To Do About Nothing'

Evangelist Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, issued a statement Thursday dismissing the widespread backlash over President Donald Trump's deleted social media post that appeared to depict him as a Christ like figure.

Trump originally posted the AI generated image to Truth Social on Sunday night. The image showed Trump wearing a white robe, placing his hand on a sick man as a nurse and members of the military watched on, with the American flag, bald eagles, fighter jets, and the Statue of Liberty in the background. Critics from both sides of the political aisle accused Trump of depicting himself as Jesus Christ.

Trump deleted the image Monday after facing backlash from allies including House Speaker Mike Johnson, former Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, and conservative commentators. He claimed he thought the image depicted him "as a doctor, making people better," not as Jesus.

I do not believe President Trump would knowingly depict himself as Jesus Christ that would certainly be inappropriate.

Graham argued the image contained no overtly religious imagery. "There were no spiritual references no halo, there were no crosses, no angels. It was a flag, soldiers, a nurse, fighter planes, eagles, the Statue of Liberty," he wrote. "I think this is a lot to do about nothing."

Graham also praised a second meme Trump posted the same day, which depicted Jesus embracing the president. Trump captioned that image: "The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!!"

I like the fact that this is a picture of Jesus whispering in his ear, or at least His hand on his shoulder, guiding him. We all need that we all need to be listening to Jesus.

Graham expressed hope that Trump and Pope Leo XIV could meet, saying the pontiff should "thank President Trump for his efforts to protect religious liberty."

Top Evangelical Leader Backs Trump Amid AI Jesus Controversy and Growing Religious Debate

Graham's defense itself sparked further debate. Greene fired back, saying Graham "making excuses for Trump posting himself as Jesus is one of the worst things I've seen." Conservative commentator Bonchie of RedState called the original image "blasphemy." Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, told Fox News he believed the president was "posting a joke" and took it down because "he recognized people weren't understanding his humor."

The incident came after Trump posted a similar AI image of himself depicted as the Catholic pope in May 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. The controversy has renewed debate over the use of religious imagery in American politics and the boundaries between faith expression and political messaging.

The Crusader's Opinion

Here is the uncomfortable truth that nobody seems willing to say. Jesus Christ is not a meme. He is not a political prop. He is not a branding tool. He is the Son of the Living God who died on a cross so that every one of us might live.

Graham is right that the hysteria was overblown, but let us not pretend there is nothing to discuss here. When we reduce the image of our Lord to social media content designed for engagement and likes, we cheapen the faith that billions of believers have lived and died for. Christians must hold their leaders accountable, especially the ones they support. Loyalty to any politician must never come before loyalty to Christ. We can support the President's policies while firmly and lovingly saying: do not use the image of our Savior as a political tool. That is not cancel culture. That is Christianity.

Take Action

• Pray for wisdom for our nation's leaders, that they would honor God in word and deed, not just in social media posts.
• Contact your representative and urge them to protect religious expression while opposing the politicization of faith: Find your elected officials here.
• Support ministries that share the true Gospel without political agenda. Consider supporting Samaritan's Purse or the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
• Have an honest conversation with your church community about the difference between supporting a political leader and idolizing one. The Second Commandment still applies.
• Support Christian journalism and organizations that hold both the left and right accountable. Donate to www.TheShepherdsShield.org to defend persecuted Christians worldwide.