Trump to read Bible verse from Oval Office amid feud with pope, AI image backlash

US President Donald Trump is set to deliver a public Bible reading this week from the Oval Office, as his administration continues to incorporate religious themes into official activities.

According to organisers, Trump will read a passage from the Book of Chronicles via video message on 21 April during the "America Reads The Bible" event, reports CNN.

His participation comes amid recent controversy, including a public feud with Pope Leo over the Iran conflict and backlash over an AI-generated image he posted—later deleted—depicting himself as Jesus.

The selected passage, 2 Chronicles 7:11–22, includes a widely cited verse calling for humility, prayer and repentance, often referenced in American evangelical discourse.

The event is being organised by Christians Engaged, whose founder Bunni Pounds said the passage was specifically set aside for Trump.

Scholars note the verse has long held significance among evangelical Christians. Margaret Susan Thompson, a professor at Syracuse University, told media outlets that such references are often viewed as invoking divine blessing on the nation, but cautioned against making religious doctrine prescriptive for the entire country.

Several senior officials are expected to join the reading, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

Trump's tensions with Pope Leo escalated last week after the pope criticised the war with Iran. Trump responded by saying he was "not a fan" of the pope, while the pontiff said he had "no fear" of the Trump administration.

The president also faced criticism from supporters and critics alike after sharing an AI-generated image portraying himself as Jesus, which he later removed.

Since returning to office, the Trump administration has increasingly blended religious messaging with governance, prompting debate over the boundaries between church and state in the United States.