Donald Trump has once again criticized Pope Leo XIV, adding to his history of verbal attacks on global leaders and Republican associates. In a post on TruthSocial early Wednesday, Trump called out the Pope for not acknowledging Iran’s alleged killing of 42,000 unarmed protesters and for advocating against Iran possessing a nuclear weapon. This marks Trump’s second recent outburst directed at the Pope, following the pontiff’s calls for peace and rejection of military action in Iran.
In a rare move, the US President removed an AI-generated post that depicted him as a figure resembling Jesus Christ healing a sick person, claiming he saw it as a portrayal of a doctor. This action stirred controversy among his evangelical supporters, with some branding the image as blasphemous. White House staff have faced challenges managing Trump’s social media presence, with efforts to monitor and intervene in his posts to mitigate potential fallout.
Vanity Fair reporter Chris Whipple, in an interview with Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles, remarked on the difficulty of controlling Trump’s TruthSocial activity. Whipple noted the staff’s struggle to keep up with Trump’s unfiltered and unrestrained postings, often resorting to damage control tactics.
While Trump’s recent targeting of the Pope has drawn attention, he has also clashed with other international figures and members of his own party. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faced Trump’s criticism for her perceived lack of action regarding US-Iran relations, with Trump expressing disappointment in her response to the conflict.
Trump also threatened to revisit a trade deal with the UK after opposition leader Keir Starmer criticized his policies. Trump voiced dissatisfaction with the state of the US-UK relationship, suggesting a reevaluation of trade agreements based on perceived lack of support from the UK in key matters.
In a series of confrontations with various figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Attorney General Bondi, and Republican Thomas Massie, Trump’s tendency to challenge and replace those who do not align with his views has been evident. Massie, in defending his actions, emphasized his alignment with the GOP but maintained his stance against covering up misconduct.
Trump’s history of clashing with allies and advisors, such as former advisor John Bolton, reflects his approach to dissent and criticism within his circle. Bolton, a vocal critic of Trump, faced backlash and legal actions following their fallout. The ongoing friction with former associates underscores Trump’s approach to loyalty and disagreement within his political network.