Report: Trump's Jesus Meme Posting Influenced by 'Agent of Chaos' Bill Pulte
President Donald Trump's controversial decision to post an AI-generated meme portraying himself as Jesus Christ healing the sick was not made in isolation, according to a new report. The move, which sparked widespread debate and criticism, was allegedly influenced by Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), a figure described as an "agent of chaos" within Trump's inner circle.
Pulte's Alleged Role in the Meme Controversy
Axios reports that Pulte first brought the AI image to Trump's attention during a meeting in Florida over the weekend, citing two advisers close to the president. One of these advisers commented, "Everyone thought it was a joke," highlighting the initial disbelief surrounding the meme's posting. However, a third source has denied Pulte's involvement, creating some ambiguity about the exact origins of the decision.
Regardless of how Trump encountered the meme, his subsequent action of posting it on Truth Social—after rebuking Pope Leo XIV for being "weak" and "catering to the Radical Left"—ignited several days of intense arguments. This controversy pitted Catholic members of his administration, such as JD Vance and Tom Homan, against the Vatican and risked alienating devout Christian supporters within his base.
Trump later removed the image, claiming it had been misunderstood, only to replace it with another depicting the Messiah embracing him, further fueling the ongoing discussion.
Bill Pulte: A Controversial Figure in Trump's Administration
Bill Pulte has garnered a reputation as a combative and influential figure in Trumpworld. Earlier this year, he was described as a "driving force" behind the Department of Justice's decision to launch a criminal investigation into the Federal Reserve. This investigation faced significant setbacks last month when a judge dismissed two subpoenas, ruling it had been initiated to "harass and pressure" the central bank's outgoing chair, Jerome Powell.
Although Pulte denied involvement in this affair, Bloomberg has characterized him as "a vocal force within the administration, pushing controversial housing policy ideas and investigating Trump's foes for mortgage fraud." Typically, the FHFA director's role involves ensuring the stability of the mortgage market, but Pulte has "transformed the position into a megaphone to denigrate Trump's perceived political foes," according to the Associated Press.
Last year, Pulte accused New York Attorney General Letitia James, California Senator Adam Schiff, and Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook of mortgage fraud, all of whom denied any wrongdoing. None of these cases have progressed further, adding to the scrutiny of his actions.
History of Stirring Controversy and Confrontations
Pulte's penchant for controversy nearly escalated into violence in September when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believed Pulte was badmouthing him to President Trump. In a heated confrontation, Bessent reportedly asked, "Why the f*** are you talking to the president about me? F*** you. I'm gonna punch you in your f***ing face." After being asked to leave the event, Bessent allegedly invited Pulte "outside," with Pulte attempting to resolve the conflict through dialogue, only to be met with a refusal and threats of physical assault.
Prior to his tenure in the Trump administration, Pulte's confrontational style extended to his personal life. The AP reported last year that he "practiced on his own family," publicly feuding with relatives over his late grandfather's property business, PulteGroup. Court records reveal that Pulte accused his grandfather's widow of insider trading, labeled his aunt online as a "phony Catholic," and called a step-aunt "a fat slob," "weirdo," and "grifter."
This background underscores Pulte's reputation as a divisive figure, whose influence continues to shape high-stakes political decisions and spark debates within and beyond the administration.
