Evangelist Franklin Graham is weighing in on the growing controversy surrounding an AI-generated image re-posted and then deleted by President Donald Trump, pushing back against critics and defending the president’s intent.
As debate continues across social media and news outlets, Graham addressed concerns directly, dismissing claims that Trump intentionally shared imagery portraying himself as Jesus Christ and arguing that critics are misrepresenting the situation.
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Graham released the following full statement:
I had received some questions about President @realDonaldTrump’s recent posts, and here are my thoughts:
I do not believe President Trump would knowingly depict himself as Jesus Christ—that would certainly be inappropriate. I’m thankful the President has made it very clear that this was not at all what he thought the AI-generated image was representing—he thought it was a doctor helping someone, and when he learned of the concerns, he immediately removed the post.
When I looked at the illustration, I didn’t jump to the same conclusion as some. 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, and I think this is a lot to do about nothing. There is so much ill-intended speculation. I think his enemies are always foaming at the mouth at any possible opportunity to make him look bad.
And the illustration from someone else he reposted on Truth Social yesterday, I must say that 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. Again, I think there is an attempt to spin this into something that it isn’t. Remember, President Trump didn’t draw this, he didn’t create it, he reposted it on his social media because he thought it was nice—I would have to agree.
I’m not a Catholic, I’m an evangelical, but I appreciate how President Trump has defended religious freedom for people of all faiths, including millions of evangelicals and Catholics in the U.S. and around the world. He is the most pro-Christian, pro-life president in my lifetime, and he doesn’t shy away from it. I would hope that the President and Pope Leo can meet at some point, and that the Pope would have the opportunity to thank the President for his efforts to protect religious liberty for Catholics and people of all faiths.
I had received some questions about President @realDonaldTrump's recent posts, and here are my thoughts:
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) April 16, 2026
I do not believe President Trump would knowingly depict himself as Jesus Christ—that would certainly be inappropriate. I’m thankful the President has made it very clear that…
Graham’s comments arrive as the debate over AI-generated imagery and political messaging continues to gain traction online. The controversy has sparked strong reactions, but Graham made it clear he sees the situation very differently, pointing to what he described as a rush to assign intent where there was none.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
