Minutes after posting his rant about Pope Leo being “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy”, Donald Trump posted an AI image of himself as Jesus Christ healing the sick – overlooked by an American flag, fighter jets and a bald eagle.

It was typical of the AI slop that is regularly amplified by the president’s social media account. But it was a good reminder, if one was needed, that this is a president and an administration that is happy to take the lord’s name – and image – in vain, while portraying themselves as men of God.

The AI-generated image posted by Donald Trump showing himself as a messianic figure.The AI-generated image posted by Donald Trump showing himself as a messianic figure.Truth Social / @realdonaldtrump

Not only did Trump malign Leo as a wannabe politician who should “get his act together” and focus on his job, but he claimed Leo was selected as pope not because of any personal attributes, divine insights or leadership qualities, but because the Vatican thought he might get on better with Trump.

“He wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump,” the president asserted on Truth Social. “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.”