Ohio – A political storm is building as President Donald Trump’s ongoing clash with Pope Leo XIV deepens divisions within the Republican Party, exposing sharp disagreements not only over policy, but also over faith, tone, and leadership. What began as a dispute over foreign policy has now spiraled into a wider controversy, fueled by a provocative AI-generated image and strong reactions from both political allies and critics.
At the center of the uproar is Trump’s decision to post an AI image that appeared to depict himself as Jesus Christ. The post came shortly after a heated exchange with the pope over the conflict in Iran, adding a religious dimension to an already tense political moment. While some Republicans have rushed to defend the president, others—especially those with strong ties to the Catholic faith—have openly pushed back.
GOP fractures emerge over faith and politics
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, a Catholic and one of the most politically vulnerable Republicans heading into the next election, did not hold back in her criticism. Trump had earlier described Pope Leo XIV as “WEAK” on crime and “terrible” on foreign policy, comments that Collins said crossed a line.
“I found the president’s comments to be offensive and inexplicable,” Collins said. “He should not be treating the pope as a political rival.”
Her response reflects a broader concern among some Republicans who fear that attacking a major religious figure could alienate key voters. Collins, who represents a state that voted for Kamala Harris, has often walked a careful political line, and her remarks highlight the tension between party loyalty and personal conviction.
In stark contrast, Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno offered a full-throated defense of Trump, placing the blame squarely on the pope instead. Moreno, who is also Catholic, expressed anger over Leo’s criticism of the president’s actions abroad.
“I was incensed to watch the Pope’s comments,” Moreno said. “I think what the Pope is doing is a disgrace.”
He went even further, arguing that the pope had stepped too far into political territory. “It’s a shame that the Pope has made the Catholic Church political,” Moreno said. “Thank God my mom’s not alive to watch that.”
Moreno’s stance closely aligns with that of Vice President J.D. Vance, another Ohio Republican who has publicly suggested that religious leaders should avoid political entanglements. Speaking on Fox News, Vance said “it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality,” reinforcing a growing divide over the role of religion in political debate.
Backlash expands across conservative voices
The controversy has not been limited to lawmakers. Several conservative figures have also voiced strong criticism, particularly regarding the AI image and its religious implications.
Riley Gaines, a prominent conservative activist, reacted sharply, stating, “God shall not be mocked.” Meanwhile, commentator Cam Higby criticized the post as well, saying, “Blasphemy from the Oval Office is not a funny troll,” and urging Trump to “correct it and move on.”
Adding to the backlash, former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also condemned the situation in strong terms. She pointed to the timing of the controversy, emphasizing that it unfolded during a significant religious period. Greene argued that Trump’s actions—both his criticism of the pope and the image—crossed a serious line.
“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,” Greene said. She continued by referencing earlier rhetoric, adding, “This comes after last week’s post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization.” Greene made her stance clear, concluding, “I completely denounce this and I’m praying against it!!!”
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… pic.twitter.com/mq27jxJEnt— Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@FmrRepMTG) April 13, 2026
Her remarks stand out because she has often been a strong supporter of Trump, making her criticism particularly notable in the broader political landscape.
Despite the backlash, Trump appeared dismissive of the criticism. In an interview with CBS News, he said, “I’m not a big fan of Riley, actually,” and claimed that the image had been misunderstood, insisting he believed it depicted him as a doctor rather than a religious figure.
Silence and deflection from GOP leaders
While some Republicans have taken clear positions, others have chosen to sidestep the issue altogether. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa deflected questions when asked about the controversy, saying, “Why don’t you ask me a question about E-15, that’s what I want to get passed.”
Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska similarly avoided engaging with the topic. “I’m a senior member of armed services, and that’s what I’m focused on,” she said.
Even Senate Majority Leader John Thune declined to weigh in directly. “I don’t have any observation on that,” Thune said. “My observation is it’s been taken down.”
This reluctance to engage suggests a level of discomfort within the party, as leaders attempt to avoid inflaming tensions during a critical political period.
A deeper and ongoing divide
The clash also reflects a longer-running tension between the Catholic Church and the Trump administration. While the two have found common ground on issues like abortion, they have often disagreed on immigration, particularly given the Church’s connection to immigrant communities.
Now, with midterm elections approaching, the timing of this conflict raises new concerns. Republicans are facing pressure to present a unified front, yet the dispute over Trump’s rhetoric and actions has instead revealed cracks within the party.
As reactions continue to unfold, the situation underscores a larger question: how far political leaders can go when mixing faith, power, and public messaging. For now, the divide remains unresolved, with strong voices on both sides and no clear path to consensus.
