Trump, Jesus, and the Memeification of Power
In her 2023 memoir, “Oath and Honor,” Liz Cheney recounts witnessing a disturbing trend on January 6, 2021: Republican colleagues readily signing electoral-vote objection sheets. Cheney described this as a “plague of cowardice,” fueled by a willingness to support Donald Trump’s false claims of a “rigged” election. She overheard Congressman Mark Green mutter, “The things we do for the Orange Jesus,” a phrase that initially served as a cynical shorthand for the hypocrisy of Republicans enabling Trump’s cult of personality.
However, the narrative has taken a surreal turn. This week, amidst a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, Trump circulated an AI-generated image depicting himself as the Christian Lord and Saviour. He later claimed it was meant to portray him as a doctor with the Red Cross, a statement met with widespread disbelief. As he stated, “I did post it. And I thought it was me as a doctor… I make people a lot better.”
This isn’t an isolated incident. Trump followed up with another AI image, this time standing alongside Jesus, with the latter affectionately placing an arm around Trump’s shoulder. The caption read: “The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!!”
From ‘Orange Jesus’ to Self-Deification
The evolution is striking. Initially, “Orange Jesus” was a sarcastic jab at Republicans who compromised their principles. Now, it appears Trump genuinely believes he is Orange Jesus. This self-perception explains much of his behavior since returning to office: the opulent White House renovations resembling a distorted Vatican, the relentless stream of falsehoods, the branding of everything with his name, and the assertion of unlimited power, particularly in his foreign policy endeavors.
He famously declared, “There is one thing… My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me.” This isn’t America First; it’s Trump First. The sheer audacity of his megalomania, presented with a dark comedic flair, underscores the tragedy of Republicans sacrificing their integrity for him.
A Modern-Day Imperial Cult
A federal commission, populated with Trump appointees, recently approved plans for a massive triumphal arch on the National Mall, modeled after those built by Napoleon and Roman emperors. When asked what the arch commemorates, Trump simply pointed to himself. This echoes the ancient Roman emperors who demanded worship as “Lord and God,” a practice that ultimately proved unsustainable.
The backlash to Trump’s Jesus post was swift and humorous, even prompting a playful rebuke from Sarah Palin, depicting Jesus asking Trump to relinquish the phone. However, Trump doubled down, initiating a public dispute with the Pope over his stance on war and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He even suggested the Pope favored Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Echoes of the Past, Warnings for the Future
Pope Leo XIV responded with a powerful condemnation of those who “manipulate religion… for their own military, economic, and political gain.” The situation highlights a dangerous trend: the manipulation of faith for political power. The historical precedent is clear – imperial cults of personality are fleeting. While Trump may leave his mark on the capital with grandiose monuments, the longevity of this “tacky reign” remains questionable.
The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the dangers of unchecked power. It begs the question: how long will this spectacle continue, and what will be the lasting consequences of this unprecedented era?
Further Reading:
- The New Yorker – For in-depth analysis of political and cultural trends.
- Britannica – Learn about the historical context of imperial cults.
