JD Vance Defends Trump's Controversial AI Pope Image Amid Backlash

Vice President JD Vance defended President Donald Trump after Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope on social media, dismissing criticism and calling it a joke. Vance, a Catholic, argued that people should be more concerned about issues like war rather than jokes, even as the post drew strong backlash from Catholic groups and politicians who labeled it disrespectful, especially following Pope Francis's recent death. The image, reposted by the White House account, was condemned by the New York State Catholic Conference, which urged Trump not to mock the solemn period of papal transition. Trump had also joked about wanting to be Pope and suggested Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York for the role. While some, such as Senator Lindsey Graham, joined in the jest, others like Rep. Ted Lieu expressed offense, urging Trump to focus on economic concerns instead. The controversy comes as the Catholic Church prepares for a conclave to elect a new pope.