Conservative activist Riley Gaines seemingly entered a feud with President Donald Trump after he shared a controversial AI-generated photo of himself as Jesus.
The back-and-forth between Gaines and Trump began on April 12, 2026, when the president took to his Truth Social page to share an AI image of himself wearing a red-and-white robe and standing behind a man in a hospital bed. Glowing orbs hovered above his hands as he rested one on the man’s head, seemingly implying that Trump has healing powers. The image also featured patriotic symbols including an American flag, the Statue of Liberty and fireworks.
Trump’s post, which has since been deleted, sparked backlash from several Christian conservative figures, including Gaines.
Keep scrolling to learn more about Gaines and her feud with Trump:
Who Is Riley Gaines?
Riley Gaines was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, to collegiate athletes Brad and Telisha Gaines. She followed in her parents’ footsteps as a collegiate athlete herself, becoming a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer for the University of Kentucky.
Riley became known as a conservative figure in 2022 when she tied for fifth place with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in the 200-yard NCAA freestyle championship. She became a vocal protester of transgender women in women’s sports, frequently discussing the topic with conservative figures like Tucker Carlson.
In February 2025, Riley praised Donald Trump’s move to sign an executive order preventing transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
“I am grateful for President Donald Trump’s swift action in fulfilling his campaign promise to protect women’s sports,” she wrote in a piece for Fox News.
Riley Gaines Criticizes Donald Trump’s AI Jesus Image
Riley Gaines, who has been a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, took to X to criticize his AI-generated Jesus image on April 13, 2026.
“Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this?” she wrote while reposting the image. “Either way, two things are true. 1) a little humility would serve him well, 2) God shall not be mocked.”
Donald Trump Calls Out Riley Gaines’ Criticism
After removing the AI-generated Jesus image from Truth Social, Donald Trump addressed the backlash, clarifying that he thought it depicted him as a “doctor.”
“I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do with [the] Red Cross,” he told reporters at the White House on April 13.
When asked if criticism from Riley Gaines and other conservative figures led him to delete the post, Trump responded, “I didn’t listen to Riley Gaines. I’m not a big fan of Riley, actually.”
Riley Gaines Voices Support for Donald Trump Despite Criticism
Riley Gaines took to X once again to address Donald Trump’s response to the AI image.
“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 wrote. “At the end of the day, I do nothing for the approval of man. Our purpose on this earth is to glorify Him in all we do. The truth social post missed the mark. It’s now deleted. Amazing!”
She continued, “We’re imperfect people. I know I am. I don’t get my feelings hurt easy and I know with the President it’s really not personal. I want to spend eternity in a real place called Heaven. I’d love for Trump to be there too. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. I’ll keep doing my part by speaking truth & doing my best to lead others to Christ.”
Riley concluded by telling her followers, “No, I won’t be selling merch with his insults on them hahaha.”
Donald Trump Previously Called Riley Gaines ‘Tremendous’
Prior to their feud over the AI image, Donald Trump called Riley Gaines a “tremendous athlete” and “brave swimmer” while introducing her at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2022.
“I want to thank Riley,” he said at the time. “She really has been in the forefront. People that aren’t that well-versed in this would say that she was the leader. And great job, Riley. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.”
