Donald Trump fires back at Riley Gaines after criticism over AI ‘Jesus’ image

· Toronto Sun

Donald Trump has fired back at one of his most staunch supporters as he continues to receive blowback for posting an AI image on social media that many believed depicted him as Jesus Christ.

Anti-transgender activist Riley Gaines took offence to the image and condemned it on X, leading to the U.S. president firing back and saying he is “not a big fan” of the former collegiate swimmer.

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Trump sparked outrage on Sunday after posting an image of himself on Truth Social in which he was dressed in white and red robes and appearing to heal an elderly man with a touch of light. The background included an American flag, flying eagles, and a burst of sunlight with cloudy figures above.

What did Gaines write?

On Monday morning, Gaines condemned the image, reposting a screenshot of the since-deleted picture with her response.

“Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this?” Gaines asked on X.

“Either way, two things are true. 1) a little humility would serve him well. 2) God shall not be mocked.”

How did Trump respond?

Trump responded to Gaines’ criticism later on Monday in an interview with CBS News senior correspondent Norah O’Donnell, during which he claimed he didn’t delete the controversial post due to the 25-year-old activist.

“I didn’t listen to Riley Gaines,” Trump said during the phone interview. “I’m not a big fan of Riley, actually.”

Despite the president distancing himself from Gaines, the former swimmer appeared to be back in his corner after he deleted the image, saying that she’ll “’continue to support him and the America First agenda” and saying that she believes his comments about her weren’t “personal.”

“I love the President and I’m so grateful he’s in the Oval Office. Of course, I’ll continue to support him and the America First agenda,” Gaines posted on X.

“At the end of the day, I do nothing for the approval of man. Our purpose on this earth is to glorify Him in all we do. The Truth Social post missed the mark. It’s now deleted. Amazing!

“We’re imperfect people. I know I am. I don’t get my feelings hurt easy and I know with the President it’s really not personal. I want to spend eternity in a real place called Heaven. I’d love for Trump to be there too.”

What did Trump say about the ‘Jesus’ image?

During his interview with CBS, Trump explained that he didn’t think the controversial artwork was portraying him as a religious figure, but rather as a doctor.

“I viewed that as a picture of me being a doctor in fixing — you had the Red Cross right there, you had, you know, medical people surrounding me,” he said.

Trump also said that he only deleted the post because “people were confused” and not because of the backlash it received from his conservative base.

What is the connection between Trump and Gaines?

Both Trump and Gaines have expressed staunch opinions against transgender athletes.

During a press conference in 2025 to announce that he had signed an executive order banning trans athletes in women’s sports, Trump praised Gaines for her efforts on the issue.

“I want to thank Riley, she really has been in the forefront,” he said. “People who are well-versed would say she was the leader, great job, Riley.”

Gaines took up the cause after tying for fifth place with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Championships.

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