Looks like US President Donald Trump is holding onto the dream of becoming the next Pope after he and the White House shared an artificially generated photo of the American leader dressed as the Vatican City sovereign. Trump first shared the photograph on TruthSocial on Friday, with many claiming that the president is mocking the death of Pope Francis, who passed away shortly after Easter Sunday.
Trump shared the image with no caption, leaving many wondering what the context of the image was. Earlier this week, Trump jokingly said that he would like to be his own “number one choice” to be the next leader of the Catholic Church.
“I’d like to be pope,” he told a reporter on Tuesday, before sharing his views on who should take the role. However, even if Trump wants to be a Pope, he is unlikely to be one since he is a billionaire who has married three times.
The god complex within the Trump administration
Soon after, the POTUS expressed his intention to be the next Pope, prominent Republican Senator Lindsey Graham appeared to throw his weight behind Trump’s long-shot bid for the papacy, saying on social media that he was “excited to hear” about it.
“This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!” Graham said. “The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke…. Trump MMXXVIII!”
It is pertinent to note that there has never been a pope from the United States. However, there are a few cardinals currently in the race to be the next Pope. Trump is not the only one in his team with a god complex.
While sitting down with three top Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team members at the West Wing’s Roosevelt Room and answering journalists, Tesla CEO Elon Musk compared himself to Gautam Buddha. “Is Buddha needed for Buddhism?” the billionaire said when asked about who would lead DOGE in his absence, The Washington Post reported. Musk has indicated he intends to step back from his DOGE role this month. “Was it not stronger after he passed away?” he remarked.
While Trump is not a Pope and Musk’s comparison of himself to Buddha is far-fetched, the comments by these two personalities are leaving the netizens bewildered.