Donald Trump read a Bible passage about punishment and national repentance on April 22, 2026, during a Republican-led marathon event.
The reading came amid ongoing criticism over an AI-generated image he previously posted on Truth Social depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure healing a sick man.
Trump had faced backlash from religious leaders and supporters after the image was shared, which he later deleted.
The image post followed a lengthy message in which Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, whom he had recently attacked on the same platform.
Trump told CBS News he believed the AI image showed him as a doctor, not a religious figure.
Pope Leo XIV has not publicly responded to Trump’s recent comments or the Bible reading.
The Bible passage read by Trump focused on themes of divine punishment and calls for national repentance.
Republican lawmakers organized the marathon event as part of a broader effort to highlight faith-based values ahead of the midterm elections.
Al Jazeera reported the Bible reading as Trump’s first public religious engagement since the controversy over the AI image began.
Why did Trump read the Bible passage?
Trump read the Bible passage as part of a Republican-led marathon event focused on faith and national values.
What was the AI image of Trump as Jesus?
The AI-generated image showed Trump in a white robe appearing to heal a sick man in a hospital bed, which he later deleted after criticism.