Joe Rogan Erupts in Laughter Over Trump's AI Image Explanation
Podcast host Joe Rogan found himself in fits of laughter after former President Donald Trump claimed that a controversial AI-generated image he posted on Truth Social portrayed him as a doctor, not as Jesus Christ. The incident, which unfolded during an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, highlighted the ongoing political and cultural tensions surrounding Trump's social media activity.
Controversial Image Sparks Backlash and Deletion
The AI-generated picture, shared by Trump on his Truth Social platform, depicted the former president wrapped in flowing robes, reaching out to heal a sick individual with beams of light emanating from his hands. This visual immediately triggered a fierce backlash from commentators across the political spectrum, who denounced it as blasphemous and inappropriate. In response to the outcry, Trump swiftly deleted the post, later asserting that he believed it represented him in the role of a physician.
Rogan's Podcast Conversation Turns Sarcastic
During a discussion on artificial intelligence with guest Andy Stumpf, a former Navy SEAL, Rogan referenced the image, quipping, "AI god has to come alive and take over the system. AI god, the one that created that Jesus meme that Trump just posted." Stumpf replied sarcastically, "Joe, I told you, he explained it. He was a doctor," which prompted Rogan to burst into laughter. The podcast host, who endorsed Trump in the 2024 election but has criticized him on various issues, retorted, "That's what they called him. That's what AI god calls Jesus. Jesus is a doctor."
Political Figures Condemn Trump's Actions
The controversy erupted shortly after Trump posted a scathing attack on Pope Leo, whom he labeled as "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy." Former Georgia GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed outrage on social media, writing, "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. I completely denounce this and I'm praying against it!!!" Similarly, Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, called the behavior "deranged, egomaniacal."
Trump Defends and Explains His Decision
Speaking to reporters outside the Oval Office, Trump confirmed he was responsible for posting the image and defended his interpretation. "I viewed that as a picture of me being a doctor," he stated. "You know, as a little fun playing the doctor and making people better. So that's what it was viewed as. That's what most people thought." He explained that he removed the post to avoid confusion, blaming the "fake news" for stirring up controversy. House Speaker Mike Johnson, an Evangelical Christian, later praised Trump's decision to delete the image, noting that he had advised the president it was not being received as intended.
