JD Vance defended Donald Trump’s controversial AI-generated post, describing it as a joke that sparked reactions and was misunderstood by part of the public.
The controversy emerged at a time of heightened tensions with the Vatican. Vance noted that there are differences with the Vatican on certain issues.
Speaking to Fox News, Vance said that the post—depicting Trump as Jesus Christ—was intended as humor.
“I think the president posted a joke and removed it because he realized many people didn’t understand his humor,” Vance said.
He added that Trump prefers direct communication with the public through social media.
“That’s one of the good things about this president—he doesn’t mince words and speaks directly to the people,” Vance emphasized.
Trump later deleted the post from Truth Social, which had featured an AI-generated image.
The controversy comes amid growing tensions between the White House and the Vatican. Vance suggested that the Vatican should focus on moral issues, while the president should lead American policy.
Trump had earlier defended the post, claiming it had been misinterpreted.
The U.S. leader also criticized Pope Leo XIV over the weekend after the pope emerged as a strong moral critic of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, condemning it as senseless and calling for peace.
This has brought to the surface months of simmering tensions between the White House and the Vatican, according to Politico.
