‘I’m not a big fan of Riley:’ Trump throws Riley Gaines under the bus after expressing disapproval of his Truth Social post
President Donald Trump had a disparaging comment to say about MAGA-aligned political commentator Riley Gaines. Despite having campaigned for him, Trump expressed dislike for her. Although he doesn’t explain why, the reason points to a statement she made against Trump’s Truth Social AI-generated photo depicting him as Jesus.
Trump was asked by the reporters at the White House if he depicted himself as Jesus. He denied the allegations, then blamed the members of the media for the assumption.
“I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor,” Trump made the excuse. The original post depicted Trump in a white robe with a red shroud. In the photo, Trump had his hand extended to a sick person, with light glowing out of his left hand.
“Only the fake news can come up with that one,” Trump said of those insisting that he looked like Jesus. Despite the uncanny resemblance, the president argued that the photo was a sort of homage to Red Cross workers.
The president is notorious for his controversial statements. Some supporters, who are often religious, have even defended Trump’s AI-generated image. Nevertheless, the depiction gained backlash from the MAGA base. Among the critics is anti-trans activist Riley Gaines—a notable influencer and Trump supporter.
Gaines, who is Christian, disapproved of Trump’s post. She wrote on X, “Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this?” She also thought that Trump could use some humility in the scenario.
Gaines added, “God shall not be mocked.”
If Trump did depict himself as Jesus, it would be a direct violation of the Second Commandment in the Bible. It’s a commandment against idolatry, and this forbids Christians from praying to false gods.
Stuck choosing between faith and Trump
Trump took down the AI-generated image, presumably because of his base’s reaction. Many Catholics were offended enough by Trump’s statement on Pope Leo XIV. But posting a photo of himself as a ‘doctor’ that shares an uncanny resemblance with Jesus? That’s something not even Christians can defend.
Because of this, Trump was asked by a reporter if he took down the photo because of Riley Gaines and the backlash he received from his own base.
The president responded, “I didn’t listen to Riley Gaines. I’m not a big fan of Riley, actually.”
Despite this comment from Trump, Gaines maintained her admiration for the president. She wrote a follow-up tweets on X regarding the issue. She wrote, “I love the President and I’m so grateful he’s in the Oval Office. Of course, I’ll continue to support him and the America First agenda.”
She also clarified that she didn’t take the president’s remarks personally. Gaines also expressed that she wants Trump and herself to be in heaven. Religion is a personal conviction, and some people can sift between their faith and politics instead of seeing their motivations entwined. Nevertheless, Gaines felt like “a crazy person” after she was attacked by the MAGA base for her criticism of Trump.
But throwing an ardent supporter under the bus isn’t unusual for Trump. He has already done this with former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Similarly, his strongest MAGA supporters have also attacked Greene for turning her coat.
Trump requires absolute loyalty, and even a bit of criticism is not something he’s willing to tolerate.
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