Catégorie oBox : BuzzNews

Donald Trump deleted one of his many Truth Social posts published over the weekend after it triggered widespread backlash, drawing criticism not only from political opponents but also from parts of his own base. The now-removed post was part of a series of messages shared by the president, ranging from commentary on the escalating conflict with Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to personal attacks on public figures, including musician Bruce Springsteen and Pope Leo. Among them, one post showing a fictional Trump Tower on the moon also circulated. However, it was an AI-generated image depicting Trump in a religious context that quickly became the focal point of controversy.

The image showed Trump portrayed as a Jesus Christ-like figure, with divine light emanating from his hands as he appeared to heal a man lying in a hospital bed, while a demonic figure hovered in the background. The visual sparked immediate reactions across social media, where users questioned both the symbolism and the intent behind the post. Some commenters mocked the image, with a number of users suggesting that the man being “healed” resembled Jeffrey Epstein, Trump’s former friend. The comparison added another layer of controversy, linking the imagery to an already sensitive and widely scrutinized topic.

«It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.»

-U.S. President, Donald Trump

Criticism also emerged from individuals who typically align with Trump politically, reflecting a rare moment of internal backlash. Several conservative voices described the image as inappropriate, with some calling it «disgusting and unacceptable» given its religious undertones. The reaction was particularly notable because it extended beyond Trump’s usual critics, highlighting discomfort among supporters over the use of religious imagery in a political context. The incident underscores the risks associated with provocative messaging, especially when it intersects with deeply held beliefs among his base.

Among those who publicly condemned the post was former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent figure within the MAGA movement who has recently expressed disagreements with Trump on foreign policy. Responding on X, she wrote:

«On Orthodox Easter, President Trump attacked the Pope because the Pope is rightly against Trump’s war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus. This comes after last week’s post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization. I completely denounce this and I’m praying against it!!!»

Her statement marked a sharp and unusual break from her previous alignment with Trump.

The backlash extended beyond political figures to religious commentators and conservative media voices, many of whom criticized the perceived irreverence of the image. The timing of the post, coinciding with religious observances, amplified the reaction and contributed to its rapid spread online. Critics argued that the portrayal crossed a line, while others framed it as part of a broader pattern of provocative communication. The volume and intensity of the response appear to have played a role in Trump’s decision to remove the post, though no formal explanation was initially provided.

«On Orthodox Easter, President Trump attacked the Pope because the Pope is rightly against Trump’s war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus. This comes after last week’s post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization. I completely denounce this and I’m praying against it!!!»

-Former Representative, Marjorie Taylor Greene

When later questioned about the controversy, Trump dismissed the criticism and rejected the interpretation that the image depicted him as a religious figure. He said: «Well, it wasn’t depiction. It was me. I did post it and I thought… a doctor and had to do with Red Cross as a Red Cross worker there, which we support and only the fake news could come up with that one. So, I had, I just heard about it and I said, how do they come up with that? It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.» His response highlighted a clear disconnect between the intended message he described and the interpretation that fueled the backlash.

The United States has begun a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of peace talks between Washington and Tehran, marking a significant escalation in tensions in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. The move was confirmed directly by Donald Trump in a Truth Social post, in which he outlined the timing and scope of the operation. He wrote: «The United States to Blockade Ships Entering or Exiting Iranian Ports on April 13 at 10:00 A.M. ET. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT». The announcement immediately raised concerns among global markets and security analysts, given the Strait’s role as a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply, making any disruption a matter of global economic consequence. The U.S. decision to move forward with a blockade follows weeks of deteriorating diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions with Iran. Officials had previously indicated that negotiations were ongoing, but no agreement was reached. The failure of those talks appears to have triggered a shift toward direct military and economic pressure, with Washington now seeking to control maritime access to Iranian ports as part of a broader strategy.

«We’re not supporting the blockade.»

-British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer

In a second Truth Social post, Trump escalated his rhetoric, issuing a direct warning to Iran regarding any potential response to the blockade. He wrote: «Iran’s Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated – 158 ships. What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, “fast attack ships,” because we did not consider them much of a threat. Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea. It is quick and brutal. P.S. 98.2% of Drugs coming into the U.S. by Ocean or Sea have STOPPED!»

Iranian officials responded swiftly, condemning the U.S. action as an illegal act of aggression and warning of serious consequences if the blockade is implemented. A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry stated: «Any attempt to block Iranian ports or interfere with freedom of navigation in the region will be met with a firm and decisive response.» Iranian military officials also signaled that their naval forces remain operational and capable of defending national waters, rejecting Trump’s claim that the country’s navy had been largely destroyed. Tehran has historically viewed the Strait of Hormuz as a vital national interest and has repeatedly warned that it could take retaliatory action if its access is threatened.

The U.S. blockade has also exposed growing divisions among Western allies, with several countries publicly refusing to take part in the operation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made clear that the United Kingdom would not support the initiative, stating: «We’re not supporting the blockade». He emphasized that London’s priority remains keeping the Strait of Hormuz open rather than restricting access, adding that efforts are «focused, from our point of view, on getting the strait fully open.» His position reflects broader concerns within Europe that participation in the blockade could escalate the conflict rather than contain it. British officials have instead stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and pursuing diplomatic solutions.

«Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea.»

-U.S. President, Donald Trump on Truth Social

Other U.S. allies have taken similar positions, distancing themselves from Trump’s strategy and signaling reluctance to be drawn into a wider confrontation with Iran. France has also declined to join the blockade, while several NATO and partner countries have resisted earlier calls from Washington to deploy naval assets in the region. Some governments have argued that the lack of a clear legal framework and strategic objective makes participation risky, while others have emphasized economic concerns tied to global energy markets. The growing list of refusals highlights an emerging split within the Western alliance, as countries weigh their support for the United States against the risks of further escalation in the Gulf.

Donald Trump launched a lengthy and aggressive attack against Pope Leo in a Truth Social post, accusing the pontiff of targeting him politically at a moment of heightened tensions over the Iran conflict. The president framed the criticism as unjustified, writing that he was being attacked «because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do». The message marked a sharp escalation in rhetoric between the White House and the Vatican, as Trump portrayed himself as defending national interests while accusing the pope of undermining his leadership.

In the same publication, Trump directly criticized the pope’s positions on crime and foreign policy, writing: «Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.» He continued by referencing criticism from the Vatican, stating that the pope «talks about “fear” of the Trump Administration», before contrasting it with what he described as restrictions on religious gatherings during the pandemic. Trump then shifted to personal remarks, writing: «I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn’t!» The comments reflected both ideological disagreement and personal frustration, as Trump attempted to frame the pope as disconnected from his political base.

«I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do.»

-Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV

Trump’s post also focused heavily on foreign policy disputes, particularly regarding Iran and Venezuela, which appear to have triggered the confrontation. He wrote: «I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.» He then added: «I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela». The president went further in justifying his leadership, stating that he was «setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History.» He also questioned the legitimacy of the pope’s rise, claiming: «If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.» The remarks underscored a broader attempt to portray the pope as politically motivated.

Trump escalated his criticism by accusing Pope Leo of aligning with political opponents, writing: «Leo’s Weak on Crime, Weak on Nuclear Weapons, does not sit well with me». He also criticized the pope’s meetings, stating that he meets with «Obama Sympathizers like David Axelrod, a LOSER from the Left». The president concluded with a direct warning to the pontiff, urging him to «use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.»

Pope Leo responded calmly to the attacks from Trump, rejecting the idea that he was acting out of fear or political alignment. Speaking publicly after the exchange, he made clear that his position would not change and reaffirmed his willingness to continue addressing global conflicts. He stated: «I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do.» The pope emphasized his role as a religious leader advocating for peace and moral responsibility, maintaining that his stance was rooted in faith rather than politics. His response contrasted sharply with Trump’s tone, focusing instead on dialogue and restraint while avoiding direct personal escalation.

«I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela.»

-U.S. President, Donald Trump

The confrontation appears to have been triggered by the pope’s recent criticism of Trump’s rhetoric on Iran, particularly comments suggesting the destruction of an entire civilization. Pope Leo described such threats as «truly unacceptable», warning of the humanitarian consequences and moral implications of escalating conflict. He also condemned broader justifications of war, stating that «God does not bless any conflict» and urging leaders to pursue diplomatic solutions instead of violence. These remarks, widely interpreted as targeting the U.S. administration, appear to have directly prompted Trump’s response, turning a policy disagreement into a public and highly personal clash between political and religious authority.