Steele Slams Trump’s ‘Jesus’ Photo as ‘Arrogant’ and ‘Disrespectful’

Michael Steele Criticizes Trump’s Portrayal as Jesus

Former Senior Advisor for Political Engagement to President Biden, John McCarthy, and political commentator Michael Steele, have strongly criticized former President Donald Trump’s decision to share an image depicting him as Jesus Christ. The image, which showed Trump with an angelic glow and others kneeling, was shared on social media and drew sharp rebukes from Steele and others who view it as deeply disrespectful and a sign of dangerous Christian nationalism.

‘Dressed Like Jesus’: A Fued with the Pope?

The controversy ignited when Trump shared the image, prompting Michael Steele to comment on its absurdity. “I don’t know what kind of doctors you know, but how many do you know make house calls dressed like Jesus?” Steele questioned, highlighting the stark contrast between the image and a typical doctor’s appearance. He pointed out that while Jesus is seen as a healer, Trump is not that person, emphasizing the profound disrespect shown to religious figures and beliefs.

“Jesus was a doctor. What was that? Jesus is a healer and those that believe and Donald Trump is not that person way so let’s be clear.”

The Pope’s Message: Morality Over Politics

The discussion also touched upon Pope Francis’s recent actions and messages. McCarthy noted that the Pope is not focused on politics but on the gospel and teachings of Christ. The Pope’s planned visit to Lampedusa, Italy, a major landing site for migrants, on July 4th was seen as a clear message prioritizing the marginalized and downtrodden. This stands in contrast to what some perceive as Trump’s political maneuvering and self-aggrandizement.

‘Gamification of War’ and Moral Decay

Cardinal Cupich’s observation about the “gamification of war” – seeing outrageous White House videos with hype music and military game imagery discussing conflict – was also highlighted. This framing of war as a game deeply disturbs many, including the Pope, who seeks to bring a moral voice back into public dialogue. The core issue, according to commentators, is a fundamental lack of a moral core, particularly evident in Trump’s actions.

Catholic Voters and Political Alignments

The conversation turned to the influence of Catholic voters in recent elections. While Catholic voters have historically been a key demographic, their support has shifted. In 2016, they leaned towards Trump, then slightly towards Biden in 2020. Current trends suggest a potential return to supporting Trump in 2024. However, commentators argue that Trump’s attacks on the Pope and his portrayal of himself in religious imagery alienate many Catholics.

Christian Nationalism in the Mainstream

The sharing of the ‘Jesus’ photo is seen as a symptom of a broader trend: Christian nationalism. Steele and others noted that while this has been on the fringe, it is now entering the mainstream, directly from the President and other high-ranking officials. This fusion of religious identity with political power is a growing concern for many, including those within the Catholic Church who believe faith calls for active participation in politics, but not in this manner.

Arrogance and Disrespect: A Pattern

The commentators pointed to a pattern of arrogance, referencing Trump’s previous claims that there would be no Pope Francis without him. They stressed that Catholics believe the Pope is chosen by the Holy Spirit, making such claims incredibly presumptuous. The analogy of a Catholic school project depicting the Dalai Lama as an ice cream cone, which led to significant disciplinary action for disrespect, was used to illustrate the gravity of Trump’s actions.

A Call for Unity vs. Division

The Pope, with his pastoral approach combining elements of Pope Benedict and Pope Francis, is seen as a figure who should unite Catholics. However, the current political climate and Trump’s actions are creating division. Commentators suggest that Republicans should be aligning with the Pope’s message, especially given the large number of Catholic voters in competitive states. Yet, Trump’s ego appears to prevent such alignment, pushing him further into a divisive rhetoric.

Looking Ahead: A Moral Compass

As the nation looks towards future elections and ongoing public discourse, the role of morality and faith remains central. The Pope’s consistent message of peace, compassion, and focus on the marginalized offers a stark contrast to the political spectacle. The challenge ahead is whether public figures will heed the call for a stronger moral compass and engage in dialogue that respects faith and human dignity, rather than exploiting them for political gain.

Source: ‘Dressed like Jesus': Steele rips Trump’s one-sided feud with Pope Leo (YouTube)