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Fact check: Donald Trump said he’d like to be pope.
1. Summary of the results
Donald Trump did make a statement about wanting to be pope, specifically saying "I'd like to be pope, that would be my No. 1 choice" on April 29, 2025 [1] [1]. However, this was understood to be a joking or lighthearted remark rather than a serious declaration, with Senator Lindsey Graham even playing along with the joke [2]. The statement needs to be understood within its proper context as a provocative comment rather than a genuine aspiration [3].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
Several crucial contextual elements are missing from the original statement:
- Trump is not Catholic but has previously identified as Presbyterian or non-denominational [3]
- The papal selection process involves 135 cardinals voting in a private conclave [2]
- Trump and Pope Francis had a historically contentious relationship, particularly regarding immigration policies [4] [4]
- Trump did attend Pope Francis's funeral and paid his respects [5]
- There are viral AI-generated images circulating that have been confirmed as satirical content [5]
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The statement in isolation could be misleading in several ways:
- It could be interpreted as a serious declaration when it was clearly meant as a provocative or humorous comment [2]
- The statement appears to be part of Trump's broader strategy for maintaining public attention and relevance [3]
- Some media outlets have framed it as an "audacious declaration," potentially sensationalizing what was essentially a joke [3]
Those who benefit from different interpretations include:
- Media outlets seeking engagement through sensationalized headlines
- Political opponents who might use it to portray Trump as disrespectful to religious institutions
- Trump's supporters who might appreciate it as an example of his provocative humor
- Social media platforms and content creators who benefit from viral AI-generated content around the statement [5]