President Donald Trump has caused an outcry in the United States and beyond by comparing himself to Christ in a message published over the Easter weekend, 20 Minutes reported this Monday, April 14. This statement comes after a week of tensions with the Vatican: Trump had criticized Pope Leo XIV for his calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East, accusing the pontiff of "interfering in American affairs."

Messianic Rhetoric##

In his Easter message on Truth Social, the American president drew a parallel between his political situation and Christ's sacrifice, presenting himself as "persecuted for speaking the truth." This messianic rhetoric, recurring for Trump since his impeachments in 2023-2024, has crossed a new threshold with this direct comparison. Evangelicals, Trump's historic electoral base, are divided: some religious leaders applaud, others denounce "blasphemy."

Political Reactions##

The Democratic opposition reacted immediately. Several elected officials called the remarks "deeply disrespectful to Christians around the world." Within the Republican party itself, a few dissenting voices were raised calling for "more restraint in the use of religious symbols." The Vatican has not commented directly, but sources close to the Holy See told Italian media that the remarks were "regrettable."

Geopolitical Context##

This controversy comes as Trump faces growing criticism over his handling of the Iranian crisis. The blockade of Iranian ports, the ongoing war, and the surge in energy prices are fueling discontent that goes beyond partisan divides. By entering the religious arena, the president is attempting to mobilize his most loyal base in a moment of political vulnerability. But this strategy carries risks: polls show that even among evangelical voters, the comparison with Christ is deeply divisive.