Vice President J.D. Vance has addressed the recent buzz surrounding an AI-generated image of U.S. President Donald Trump dressed in papal robes, clarifying that the image was shared in jest.
“The president was joking,” Vice President Vance said in a statement. “He understands how the internet works and enjoys a good meme now and then. People shouldn’t read too much into it.”
The image, which portrays President Trump wearing ornate papal attire and a golden crown, quickly went viral on social media, sparking both praise and ridicule. Supporters found it humorous and iconic, while critics accused it of being self-glorifying and inappropriate.
White House sources confirmed that the image was not part of any official campaign material but was shared informally by members of the president’s digital team as part of a meme trend. The post gained significant attention on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) under the hashtag #PopeTrump.
Vice President Vance emphasized that the public should focus less on satire and more on the administration’s accomplishments. “Let’s concentrate on what truly matters — delivering results for the American people,” he said.
This is not the first time President Trump’s image has been used in exaggerated or dramatic formats. From superhero-style posters to fictional movie art, the president has embraced bold, symbolic visuals as part of his communications strategy.
