Donald Trump (L) has reacted to MAGA loyalist Riley Gaines' (R) critique of the former's controversial X post.
'Not a Fan': Donald Trump Dismisses MAGA Loyalist Riley Gaines After She Calls Out AI 'Jesus' Post
President Donald Trump has hit back at MAGA loyalist Riley Gaines after the latter criticized him on social media.
Recently, conservative activist and former swimmer Riley Gaines took to X and called out the president for his Truth Social post, in which he shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus Christ-like figure.
Gaines disapproved of Trump's post and suggested that he should seek "humility."
"Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he'd post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this?" Gaines wrote, adding, "Either way, two things are true," she continued. "1) a little humility would serve him well 2) G-d shall not be mocked."
Trump's AI picture showcasing himself as a Christ-like figure was not received well, even amongst his usual supporters. Following the growing backlash, Trump deleted his post and said that he thought the picture depicted him as a doctor, not Christ.
Riley Gaines calls out Donald Trump over an AI-generated image he shared that depicted him as a Jesus Christ-like figure.
Donald Trump Hits Back at Riley Gaines
When CBS's Norah O'Donnell asked Trump if he deleted the post because of the critique by Gaines and other conservatives, the president said, "I didn't listen to Riley Gaines. I'm not a big fan of Riley, actually."
However, Trump had previously praised Gaines, even calling her a "tremendous athlete." A former college swimmer, Gaines became a popular name among MAGA folks after she campaigned against transgender athletes in sports.
In February 2025, when Trump signed the executive order targeting trans athletes, Gaines was in attendance.
"Riley is just a tremendous athlete," he said, before adding, "I want to thank Riley. She really has been in the forefront. People that aren't well-versed in this would say that she was the leader. And great job, Riley. Thank you very much. Appreciate it."
Donald Trump says he is not 'a big fan' of Riley Gaines.
Riley Gaines Responds to Donald Trump's Comment
Following Trump's dismissal of her comment, Gaines quickly returned to X and reiterated her support for the president, despite her earlier critique.
"I love the President and I'm so grateful he's in the Oval Office," she wrote. "At the end of the day, I do nothing for the approval of man. Our purpose on this earth is to glorify Him in all we do," she added.
Continuing further, she wrote, "The truth social post missed the mark. It's now deleted. Amazing! We're imperfect people. I know I am. I don't get my feelings hurt easy and I know with the President it's really not personal. I want to spend eternity in a real place called Heaven. I'd love for Trump to be there too."
Riley Gaines reacts to Donald Trump's comments on her earlier critique of the president, in a post on X.
Trump's AI-generated picture depicting him as Christ came shortly after he tore into Pope Leo XIV following the latter's vocal opposition to his war rhetoric.
On Sunday, April 12, Trump posted a lengthy critique of the Pope on Truth Social, claiming he is "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy." He then added, "I don't want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don't want a Pope who thinks it's terrible that America attacked Venezuela."
Trump also took credit for the pontiff's appointment as Pope.
"He wasn't on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump. If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican," he said.