By now, many people have seen the image of Donald Trump portrayed in a way that suggests he is a Christ-like healer. Surrounded by angels, reaching toward a suffering man, the symbolism is unmistakable. 

And for many, deeply disturbing.

This is not simply a matter of political disagreement. It is something far more serious. It is about the appropriation of faith, the manipulation of belief, and the blurring of lines that should never be crossed.

It seems, one more time, Trump has taken lying to a new low. 

Amazingly, the image was removed from his Truth Social post. Apparently, the backlash was more than he expected. 

When Faith Becomes a Prop

Religion, at its core, is meant to guide, to humble, and to serve. The teachings of Jesus Christ are rooted in compassion, sacrifice, and a life lived in service to others.

Yet what we are witnessing is the opposite.

The image does not reflect humility. It reflects elevation. It does not point to service. It points to self.

This is not new. There has been a consistent pattern of using religious symbolism as a backdrop for power. From staged moments with a Bible to carefully crafted imagery designed to resonate with believers, faith has too often been used as a tool rather than honored as a principle.

And people notice.

The Difference Between Image and Action

There is a profound difference between portraying oneself as a healer and actually working to heal.

While images circulate that elevate one man to near-divine status, real suffering continues. Families are displaced. Children go without food. Communities struggle to survive.

Contrast that with leaders who quietly live their values. Pope Leo XIV has been recognized for walking a path grounded in service, humility, and presence among those in need. Not through spectacle, but through action.

That contrast matters.

Because leadership is not defined by imagery. It is defined by impact.

The Danger of Blind Devotion

When political figures are elevated to something resembling religious icons, it creates a dangerous dynamic.

It discourages questioning.
It silences critical thinking.
It replaces accountability with loyalty.

History has shown, time and again, that when leaders are placed above scrutiny, the consequences ripple far beyond politics.

This is not about left or right. It is about recognizing when admiration turns into something unhealthy. When symbolism replaces substance. When image becomes more important than truth.

A Moment of Reflection

We are living in a time where images travel faster than facts and perception can shape reality. That makes discernment more important than ever.

The question is not whether one supports or opposes a political figure.

The question is this:

Are we willing to separate performance from principle?

Because no amount of gold, grandeur, or carefully crafted imagery can substitute for genuine compassion, integrity, and service to others.

And those are the qualities that truly matter.

If this is something you feel has crossed a line, now is the time to speak out. Silence is not going to serve the greater good. Speaking out, with love, will.

About Deacon Margaret Mary O’Connor

Deacon Margaret Mary O’Connor, a former member of the Catholic laity, once believed she understood her Church and its teachings. Everything changed the day she uncovered a centuries old scandal of lies and institutional cover up surrounding the history of women in ordained ministry. Realizing that her own Church had hidden the truth about women priests, women deacons, and even women bishops, she felt a deep and unforgettable sense of betrayal.

That moment became the catalyst for her mission. Margaret Mary now travels what she calls the Highway of Radical Truth, exposing the layers of deception that have kept millions of Catholics unaware of the prominent roles women held in early Church history. Her work challenges long held assumptions, confronts the complicity of the hierarchy, and calls Catholics to learn the real history for themselves.

For Margaret Mary, every Catholic deserves the truth. She believes transparency is not optional, especially when the suppression of women’s vocations continues to harm the Church today. Her research shines a spotlight on hidden historical records that may even hold answers to the modern priest shortage.

Often described as a Modern Day David, Margaret Mary is relentless in her commitment to revealing what has been intentionally concealed. Through her well researched writings, public advocacy, and ministry within the Celtic Christian Church, she brings these buried truths to light.

She is the author of Scandal in the Shadows and Journey of a Celiac’s Soul, and remains a force for honesty, courage, and reform within the broader Catholic conversation.