TOI Correspondent from Washington: MAGA supremo Donald Trump’s theological skirmish with Pope Leo — spiritual head of more than a billion Catholics — has triggered a backlash from his own conservative base, with Republican leaders, Christian activists and late-night comedians converging, for once, on the same punchline.
What might once have been dismissed as another burst of Trumpian bravado when he lashed out at the Pope — and followed it up with a surreal AIstyled image portraying himself as a Christ-like saviour — has instead landed awkwardly with Christian conservatives who form the backbone of his political coalition, raising questions about whether even his famously resilient support has limits. “It’s never really a good look for politicians to cross swords with Popes. It very seldom ends well,” Republican Senator Thom Tillis said, capturing a sentiment quietly echoed across GOP circles. Others were less diplomatic, describing the episode as an unnecessary provocation that veered into blasphemy.
