WEAK on Crime

The feud between the Trump Administration and the Pope entered a new phase last Sunday.

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A reporter asked Trump:

The answer, "Uh, I don't think he's doing a very good job. He likes crime, I guess."

Actually, Trump's criticism of Leo on Truth Social reads more like a rearguard action when Elise Ann Allen, author of "Pope Leo XIV, The Biography," said:

 
"Donald Trump is clearly feeling the heat from Leo's recent public condemnations of the Iran war and the need to promote peace over conflict. He is realizing that Leo is emerging as a stronger global figure, and he's trying to remind moderate Catholics why they voted for him. But outbursts like this could backfire as they could further alienate the moderate Catholics on the fence about him. If he's trying to win back Catholic voters, this will only help Leo's cause, not his."

Indeed, Trump slammed the door with his Truth Social broadside on Sunday: "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."

On his flight to Algeria, Leo made his standpoint clear, "I don't think that the message of the gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing it. And I will continue to speak out loud against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems. Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there's a better way."

But if his “WEAK on crime” wasn't enough, POTUS went one better a few hours later with the following meme.

The image fits Trump's well-established style, being dense with the basic icons of American patriotism and militarism, foregrounding the flag and the bald eagle, with the Statue of Liberty and the Lincoln Memorial in the background.

There are jet planes and bombs bursting in the air and soldiers marching magically, or celestially, through the firmament.

The answer, "I did post it, and I thought that it was me as a doctor.

Late Night host Stephen Colbert doubled,

... and my favorite TV show, Dr. Jesus Medicine Christ.

Regarding the man at Trump's feet, comedian Jimmy Kimmel had an assumption about a similarity ...

... while comedian Jon Stewart flipped out ...

... followed by a strong personal reaction.

Could it be me?

Trump's staunch followers still stick by their president, contradicting him about the meme's origin.

Must be AI or someone.

POTUS had crossed a red line. The image evoking Jesus offended not only Catholics, but it drew harsh criticism from ultra-evangelical Christians, too, who have otherwise expressed near constant support for Trump's decisions.

Following the backlash, no wonder there was TACO*. After 12 hours, the meme was deleted on Truth Social.
*Trump always chickens out

The Washington Post questioned, "Trump and his allies regularly invoke Christianity in their work and campaign messaging. Did Trump blow it all up?"

**