Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte prompted President Trump to post a controversial AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ, according to White House sources—sparking outrage among both critics and conservative supporters who called the image blasphemous.
Housing Czar’s Influence Behind the Scenes
Two presidential advisers confirmed to Axios that Pulte, 37, discussed the AI-generated image with Trump, 79, during a weekend meeting at Mar-a-Lago in South Florida. The housing finance chief either showed the image on his phone or sent it directly to the president. One adviser dismissed the incident, saying everyone thought it was a joke. However, another adviser close to Pulte denied he gave the meme to Trump.
The controversial post appeared on Truth Social Sunday, showing Trump in Christ-like robes, seemingly healing a sick man with glowing golden hands. The president deleted the post Monday, then claimed it depicted him as a doctor helping people, not Jesus. He blamed the fake news for making the religious connection, despite the obvious imagery. Two days later, Trump doubled down, posting another image of himself standing beside Jesus Christ.
Pattern of Controversial Advice
Pulte, grandson of a major homebuilder founder, has developed a reputation for stirring trouble within the administration. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly threatened to punch the housing czar in the face at a September MAGA dinner, even suggesting they go outside to settle their differences. Pulte has also pushed Trump to investigate Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for alleged political bias and promoted the failed 50-year mortgage proposal that drew widespread criticism.
Conservative Backlash Mounts
The AI Jesus post enraged Trump’s strongest supporters, including 19-year-old MAGA influencer Brilyn Hollyhand, who condemned the image as gross blasphemy. The president’s insistence that the picture showed him as a Red Cross doctor failed to quell the controversy. Religious conservatives expressed deep concern about using sacred imagery for political purposes, marking a rare moment of unified criticism from Trump’s base and opponents alike. The White House and Federal Housing Finance Agency did not respond to requests for comment on Pulte’s role.
