As it turns out, Trump jokingly floated his own name when asked about the next pope, telling reporters, “I’d like to be pope—that’d be my number one choice.” Social media exploded with mockery and disbelief, with critics calling him “blasphemous” and “tone-deaf.” Comments ranged from humorous disbelief—“A convicted pope”—to outrage over how little Trump seemed to understand or respect the gravity of the position.
The backlash only intensified after his earlier remarks, made just before the funeral, where instead of focusing on the legacy of Pope Francis, Trump shifted attention to trade deals and political strategy. Critics online slammed his lack of decorum, claiming he used the funeral as a diplomatic opportunity rather than a moment of reverence. With each move, many argue, Trump strays further from statesmanship and deeper into spectacle.