Texas Gov. Abbott, Sen. Cruz and AG Paxton remain conspicuously silent while critics slam Trump’s controversial image portraying divine healing
Texas – A controversial image shared by President Donald Trump has ignited a fierce national backlash, drawing criticism from both political opponents and members of his own conservative base, while some of Texas’ most powerful leaders have remained notably silent.
The image, generated using artificial intelligence and posted on Truth Social over the weekend, depicted Trump in a Christ-like pose. Dressed in a robe and placed in a dramatic, almost biblical setting, he appeared to be extending his hand over a man in what looked like a healing moment. The scene was filled with patriotic imagery, including American flags, bald eagles, and a glowing sky, blending religious symbolism with national identity.
As the image spread rapidly across social media, reactions came swiftly and intensely. Critics described the portrayal as offensive and inappropriate, while supporters argued it was symbolic or humorous. Yet, amid the storm, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Attorney General Ken Paxton offered no public reaction, leaving a noticeable silence from figures who often weigh in on national controversies.
Backlash erupts across political and religious lines
The criticism did not come from one side alone. Voices from across the political spectrum—and even within Trump’s own support base—spoke out.
Former NASA astronaut Terry Virts delivered one of the sharpest rebukes, writing, “The President needs a mental wellness check.” His comment quickly gained attention, adding to the growing sense of alarm among critics.
Conservative figures were equally vocal. Megan Basham, a Christian writer, reacted strongly, saying, “I don’t know if the President thought he was being funny or if he is under the influence of some substance or what possible explanation he could have for this OUTRAGEOUS blasphemy,” and calling on Trump to remove the post and seek forgiveness.
Other conservative voices echoed similar concerns. Riley Gaines questioned the intent behind the image, writing, “Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this,” and adding that “God shall not be mocked.” Michael Knowles also weighed in, suggesting that regardless of intent, the image should be taken down, stating that it would be wise “both spiritually and politically to delete the picture.”
Even Republican lawmakers expressed discomfort. Rep. Don Bacon described the post as “a foolish post,” adding that it struck him as “a gaudy and juvenile post.” He warned that such actions risk dividing Trump’s own party at a time when unity is critical.
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene went further, linking the image to broader concerns about Trump’s rhetoric and recent actions. She stated that Trump had posted the image “as if he is replacing Jesus” and added, “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
Dallas-based commentator Allie Beth Stuckey also framed the image as part of a wider pattern, writing that it reflects “what happens when Paula White is your personal pastor and people around you are continually comparing you to Christ.” She added that Trump “desperately needs to understand the bad news that precedes the Good News: you are a helpless sinner in desperate need of a Savior, as we all once were.”
Silence in Texas and growing tensions beyond the image
Despite the widespread reaction, Texas’ top Republican leaders have remained quiet. Abbott, Cruz, and Paxton—figures known for their strong political voices—had not issued any public statements as of Monday, even as the controversy intensified.
Texas Democrats also largely avoided direct engagement, with no coordinated statewide response or official statements from major offices.
The timing of the controversy adds another layer of tension. It comes as Trump’s ongoing feud with Pope Leo XIV continues to escalate. The president has recently launched personal attacks against the pontiff, criticizing his positions on global conflicts and foreign policy.
In one post, Trump described the pope as “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.” He continued by writing, “I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA,” adding, “He gets it, and Leo doesn’t!”
Trump further criticized the pope’s views, stating, “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela,” before escalating his remarks even more.
“And I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do,” Trump added.
As backlash mounted, the controversial image was ultimately removed from Trump’s Truth Social account by Monday morning. However, the reaction it sparked continues to ripple across political and religious communities.
The silence from key Texas leaders, combined with sharp criticism from both allies and opponents, highlights a moment of tension that extends beyond a single post. It raises broader questions about political messaging, the use of religious imagery, and how far public figures can go before even their own supporters begin to push back.
