CNN Anchor Accuses Trump of Lying About Controversial Jesus Post: 'He Deleted It and Lied About It'

CNN anchor Abby Phillip accused former President Donald Trump of dishonesty after he deleted a controversial post portraying himself as Jesus. The broadcast sparked debate over his intentions, public reaction, and the implications of his statements on social media.

During a recent broadcast of CNN NewsNight, anchor Abby Phillip accused former President Donald Trump of being dishonest regarding a post he shared on Truth Social that provoked significant public backlash, including criticism from some of his close associates.

The Controversial Post

Trump uploaded an image portraying himself as Jesus, which he later removed. He explained that the post was meant to convey medical symbolism rather than religious imagery. This followed an event at the White House, now also removed from public view, where attendees likened Trump to Jesus.

Panel Discussion on CNN NewsNight

Phillip led a panel discussion featuring Bakari Sellers, Noah Rothman, Leigh McGowan, Hal Lambert, Margaret Donovan, and Father Edward Beck. The conversation centered on the post, Trump’s explanation, and the broader implications of his actions.

Trump's Explanation

Trump stated: "It wasn’t depiction. It was me. I did first it and I thought it was me as a doctor. And it had to do with Red Cross as a Red Cross worker there, which we support. And only the fake news could come up with that one. So, I just heard about it and I said, how did they come up with that? It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better."

Varying Interpretations

Vice President J. D. Vance offered an alternative view, suggesting the post was intended as humor. Vance said: "I think the president was posting a joke, and, of course, he took it down because he recognized that a lot of people weren’t understanding his humor in that case. I think the president of the United States likes to mix it up on social media, and I actually think that’s one of the good things about this president is that he is not filtered."

Religious Perspective

Father Edward Beck criticized Trump’s explanation, stating the image did not align with medical symbolism. Beck said: "What doctor have you ever seen with light waves coming out of his hands to heal someone and raised from heaven coming down blessing him in red and white garments? There’s no Red Cross image in the photograph. There’s an image of a nurse in a blue uniform, but nothing about the Red Cross. The president is being disingenuous by saying he thinks it was a doctor’s image he was posting."

CNN Anchor and Panel Reactions

Abby Phillip stressed the contradiction between Trump removing the post and his explanations, stating: "He deleted it but then lied about it." Leigh McGowan also criticized Trump, raising concerns about his behavior and mental capacity: "Everyone who’s ever dressed up for Halloween knows if you’re a doctor, you put on a white coat and a stethoscope, not the Jesus costume, which is what Donald Trump put himself out as. The bigger issue is that Trump’s behavior this week shows he is not mentally fit to be in this position. He threatened 90 million people with instantaneous death, is terrorizing the world, ruining the economy, and making extreme statements."

Mental Health Debate

Phillip noted that Trump’s recent unpredictable conduct has reignited discussions about mental health, pointing out that even previous allies have questioned his stability. Reports have highlighted that his extreme remarks, including threats toward Iran and criticisms of the pope, have intensified concerns about his mental state.

Conclusion

The CNN discussion concluded that deleting the post did not resolve wider concerns regarding Trump’s statements and conduct. Panelists emphasized the need for accountability, stressing the importance of honesty and transparency from public figures in positions of authority.

Sources:

• CNN
• The Hill
• Fox News
• CNN Anchor Flat-Out Calls Trump Liar Over Bonkers Jesus Post: ‘He Deleted It and Lied About It’