Trump’s Leadership, AI Images, and the Pope

The affairs of the world are “in our face” on a daily basis. They can be quite difficult to avoid.

Even while trying to put the Easter season up front I have found it almost impossible to disregard President Trump’s latest tirades. His insults about Pope Leo and his, what I consider blasphemous AI post of Trump looking like Jesus healing someone, must be confronted.

Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).

Words reflect the person

“Sticks and stones can break your bones but words can never hurt you” is an old but sage saying. However, on the national and international stage “words” can cause much hurt and trouble on a variety of levels.

Knowing his past modus operandi, I, and probably many others, tend to view President Trump’s rhetoric as a negotiating tool, used to make a deal.  However, there is a consequence to such verbal bullying tactics.

Trump likes to brag, is bellicose, exaggerates, and intimidates. He attacks anyone who does not go along with him, his views, or his agenda, demanding an almost blind allegiance. His recent comments about Pope Leo were the “straw that broke the camel’s back” for many including me.  I now seriously question his judgement and moral compass.

As many people know, President Trump publicly criticized Pope Leo in social media on Divine Mercy Sunday.  Apparently he was reacting to Pope Leo’s appeals for peace and an end to the Iran war, especially after Trump’s post on destroying Iran’s civilization.

The National Catholic Register provided many comments to Trump’s post by several Catholic Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops (many who would be considered conservative).  The comments ranged from being disheartened at the disrespect shown our Holy Father to that of demanding an apology.

In turn, members of the administration such as Vice President J.D Vance and Tom Homan, the Border Czar, both of whom are Catholic, suggested the Pope not comment on politics.  They said the Pope should stick to issues of faith and morality.

What Trump and his supporters fail to realize is that papal comments on world affairs and actions by America is something all popes have done in the past. And Pope Leo is not “America’s” Pope just because he was born and raised here.  He is the Catholic Pope for the entire world and millions of the faithful.

The Pope’s prerogative

Ashley McQuire of the Catholic Association, cited in the National Catholic Register article above, noted that, “The Catholic Church does not in any way fit into American political boxes. It will always prioritize the protection of innocent life in all its stages as well as the cause of the poor and marginalized. Insulting the pope, and all Catholics by extension, with the hope of making the Church bend to American political agendas, is discouraging and counterproductive.”

Father Robert Sirico, founder of the Acton Institute, stated in that same article, that Leo “has both the right and the duty to speak prophetically on matters of war and peace, the dignity of the human person, and the moral limits of force – even when his words discomfort political leaders.”

He further noted that Trump’s post does not “strengthen America’s moral standing” but “merely fuels division.”  And that I think is the heart of the matter.

I can see why the Pope made his comments in reaction to Trump’s statements about destroying a whole civilization. Catholic teaching seeks peace and order.  But Trump’s ego seems to compel him to respond to anything which the Pope may say that suggests an opposing view.

Politicians as well as Catholics can disagree with popes on prudential judgment areas such as foreign policy or immigration strategies.  And it may well be that Pope Leo doesn’t fully realize how bad an actor Iran has been over the years.  But Trump may not fully realize what the gospel proclaims, what the moral obligations as a leader are, or what makes for a just war.

However, none of this is the issue. It’s the manner in which Trump interacts with any opposing opinion, especially our Holy Father’s opinion. American Presidents have had disagreements with Popes in the past, yet they were able to disagree in a civil and decent manner. That is a key issue. The ability to disagree and still show respect.

Trump’s rhetoric casts him more and more as a divider than unifier. He seems unable to temper his speech and can appear unhinged in demonizing those that don’t agree with him.  His disrespect of others is appalling. So, as we say on the street “Just knock it off and button it up.” Our Holy Father deserves better.

A word of caution is needed, however, in regard to what is happening between Trump, the Pope and others. The almost daily back and forth is a field day for the news media who relish adding fuel to the fire of any controversy.  Consequently, we do need to view all accounts with discriminating eyes.

Trump’s idolatry

Trump showcased his lack of humility in his AI representation of him as Christ healing somebody. His defense, saying he was portraying himself as doctor, and even Vice President Vance’s response that it was a joke, are very lame justifications for such a sacrilegious portrayal.

An initial reaction to that image can be one of outrage, however, upon further reflection it causes an examination into his nature. It appears that Trump’s ego, and his need for recognition, makes him look bad, but more importantly, from a faith perspective, facilitates him appearing as a demigod.

His lofty and exalted sense of self is not just demonstrated within the religious sphere. His statements, such as that he belongs on Rushmore, his selling of Trump watches, and his exaggerated claims of his successes on all kinds of issues point to a focus on self-promotion and a narcissism that goes beyond reality.

President Trump’s postings, speeches and bellicose responses to those who disagree with him reflect a pattern of behavior that is contrary to Christian virtue. In addition it causes one to question his truthfulness and intentions.

Such prideful actions make him appear something less than a leader and undermine what good he has achieved. Accomplishments such as defending religious freedom, brokering the Abraham Accords, securing the border, confronting the DEI and transgender agendas, reducing the flow of Fentanyl, and restituting the warrior ethic and meritocracy to the military can fade away from one’s memory.

The present quandary

In a post before the last presidential election, the point made was that Trump represented the lessor of two evils and would do the least harm. Unfortunately, his ego and self- centered view of the world has emerged as a cause of harm and division. In many respects, Trumps rhetoric and actions can be viewed as the breaking of a trust.

I think we Catholics are in the wilderness politically.  On one hand there is Trump. On the other hand there is the Democratic party.  But its candidates and party platform stance on abortion, transgender rights, open borders, support of LBGQT causes, curtailing of religious freedom practices, defense, and DEI over merit render them as serious agents of harm as well.

I would have to describe my concern with Trump as the consequence of living in a broken and secular world.  In such a world, many dismiss or do not even consider God and His commandments to act with virtue.

Better to take refuge in the Lord than to put one’s trust in princes (Psalms 118:9).

We expect a leader to be a unifier not a divider. For better or for worse Trump is our country’s current elected leader. As such we need to pray that he overcomes his faults and leads with wisdom and respect.