“Grotesque” and “stunning” are descriptors we have come to apply to many of President Trump’s late-night Truth Social rants. Yet, his recent posts attacking Pope Leo, followed by a depiction of Trump as Jesus, dumbfounded many of his Christian supporters.
In a first since emerging as a viable Republican nominee in 2015, some ardent right-wing and Christian-nationalist supporters publicly criticized Trump. The President clumsily claimed later that he thought he was being depicted as a Red Cross doctor, though it seems his staff may have told him to claim the meme was “doctored.” In any event, the post was removed.
What did not change is the criticism of Pope Leo. In fact, the White House doubled down. Here is what Catholic convert and Vice President J.D. Vance had to say:
“But I think one of the issues here is that if you’re going to opine on matters of theology, you’ve got to be careful. You’ve got to make sure it’s anchored in the truth, and that’s one of the things that I try to do, and it’s certainly something I would expect from the clergy, whether they’re Catholic or Protestant,” he added.
It’s bold (or arrogant) for anyone, but especially for a person who converted to Catholicism just seven years ago, to suggest that when the Pope speaks of theology, it is not anchored in what he believes to be the truth. Either you are suggesting that the person in the highest earthly position of the Catholic church does not understand Catholic theology, or that he is being disingenuous to score political points.
Even a Catholic can disagree with the Pope on matters of theology or policy. The parts of Vance’s statement that are offensive to this protestant are the suggestion of an underlying motive that would cause the Pope to be “loose with the truth” and the hypocrisy on display when it comes to the statements of Trump-supporting evangelists.
Following the outrage from Trump’s post depicting him as Jesus, evangelical leader and Trump apologist, Franklin Graham issued a statement saying:
“There were no spiritual references — no halo, there were no crosses, no angels,” he added. “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.”
He went on to say,
“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.”
If Vance is genuinely concerned about theology being “anchored in the truth,” he should be equally critical of Graham’s statement as he is of the Pope’s. The post of Trump as Jesus did, in fact, include common spiritual references despite Graham’s claim. Trump is dressed as Jesus has often been portrayed. Light is emanating from his hands, alluding to the many biblical references to Jesus as light. Trump is healing by touch as Jesus did throughout the gospel, and the floating figures in the clouds with wings are undoubtedly intended to represent angels.
Fundamental to Christian faith is the concept of truth. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We are commanded not to bear false witness (Exodus 20:16). “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 12:22). “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart…” (Psalm 15:1-2)
And the list could go on.
It is disingenuous at best for anyone, but especially a faith leader, to say they buy Trump’s claim that he thought he was portrayed as a doctor.
Vance and others can disagree with the Pope, even criticize the Pope, on matters of policy, theology, or anything else. This is America after all. But do us all a favor and set some healthy boundaries for your hypocrisy.