In a moment that instantly ignited headlines and memes, former U.S. President Donald Trump boldly declared that becoming the next Pope would be his “number one choice.” This audacious remark came during an informal chat with reporters shortly after attending the funeral of Pope Francis. As one might expect, the internet did not take this lightly.
Donald Trump Pope — that phrase alone is enough to send social media into a spiral of satire, disbelief, and wild speculation. Whether serious or a signature Trumpism intended to dominate the news cycle, the comment rapidly sparked online debates and trended worldwide.
Trump’s Surprising Papal Preference
Speaking aboard his campaign plane en route to a packed political rally, Donald Trump was casually asked who he believed might succeed the late Pope Francis. With an unmistakable smirk, he quipped:
“As Pope? I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.”
This statement, delivered in a light-hearted tone, wasn’t taken lightly. Almost immediately, social media platforms exploded. Hashtags like #PopeTrump and #TrumpForPope2025 began trending on Twitter (now X), while TikTok erupted with remix videos, comedic commentaries, and AI-generated renderings of “Pope Trump” in a white cassock and MAGA-styled zucchetto.
Lindsey Graham Joins In: “White Smoke? Trump MMXXVIII!”
Senator Lindsey Graham fanned the flames further with a tweet that blended humor and loyalty:
“Excited to hear President Trump is open to being the next Pope. Watching for white smoke… Trump MMXXVIII!”
Whether sarcastic or sincere, the senator’s endorsement of a hypothetical Trump Papacy only deepened the public’s fascination. The tweet triggered even more mock Vatican conclaves online, complete with faux ballot counts and memes showing Trump at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Internet Reacts: Laughter, Shock, and Satirical Devotion
It didn’t take long for the internet to explode with diverse reactions. Some supporters embraced the idea as yet another testament to Trump’s “alpha mindset,” lauding it as classic boldness. Critics, however, were appalled. One post read:
“What’s next? Trump wants to be the Dalai Lama?”
Meme culture took over, producing endless content, including altered Vatican images renamed “Trumptican City” and Renaissance-style portraits reimagining Trump as a medieval Pope. Meanwhile, conservative commentator Meghan McCain harshly criticized Senator Graham’s tweet, calling it:
“Embarrassing boot-licking nonsense. Catholics are not a punchline.”
Trump and Pope Francis: A History of Friction
While Trump’s comment may have been tongue-in-cheek, it brings renewed attention to his historically icy relationship with Pope Francis. The two have previously clashed over a range of issues including:
- Immigration: Pope Francis has been vocal about compassion for migrants, while Trump infamously pushed for a U.S.–Mexico border wall.
- Climate change: The Vatican sees it as a moral imperative, whereas Trump once withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement.
- Capitalism: Pope Francis has critiqued unregulated capitalism, while Trump champions it.
Despite past disagreements, both Trump and First Lady Melania Trump — herself a practicing Catholic — were in attendance at the Pope’s funeral. However, even there, Trump turned heads by wearing a navy suit instead of the traditional black. The Vatican later clarified that there was no formal dress code enforced.
Who’s Really in Line to Be the Next Pope?
As the Catholic Church begins its search for Pope Francis’s successor, attention turns to real candidates. Among the frontrunners are:
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines — known for his humility and global appeal.
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State — a veteran diplomat with broad influence.
- Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary — a conservative scholar with extensive experience.
Interestingly, Trump also name-dropped Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, describing him as a “very good guy.” However, most Vatican insiders agree that an American Pope remains unlikely due to geopolitical concerns.
Is This Just Another Trumpism?
The bigger question now buzzing through the media is: Was Trump serious? Or was this simply another moment of calculated showmanship, designed to control the narrative and dominate the news cycle?
After all, dominating headlines is one of Trump’s best-known strategies. Whether he meant it seriously or not, the end result is the same: Trump is, once again, the center of attention — this time, in the sacred halls of Catholic speculation.
Donald Trump Pope: A Curious Cultural Phenomenon
The phrase “Donald Trump Pope” might sound like a punchline, yet its viral power cannot be denied. It’s a cultural moment — part satire, part politics, and part spiritual theater. And whether you’re laughing, cringing, or deeply concerned, you’re still talking about it. Mission accomplished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Donald Trump really say he wants to be Pope?
Yes. While speaking to reporters after Pope Francis’s funeral, Trump quipped that being Pope would be his “number one choice.”
Was Trump serious about wanting to be the Pope?
It’s widely assumed he wasn’t being serious. However, given Trump’s history of surprising moves, people are still speculating.
What was Lindsey Graham’s reaction to Trump’s comment?
Senator Graham supported the idea — jokingly or otherwise — with a tweet referencing white smoke and the year MMXXVIII.
Has Trump had conflicts with Pope Francis before?
Yes. They have disagreed on immigration, climate policy, capitalism, and more.
Who are the top real contenders to become the next Pope?
Cardinals Tagle, Parolin, and Erdo are among the most frequently mentioned successors to Pope Francis.
Is there any chance an American like Cardinal Dolan could become Pope?
Unlikely. Geopolitical sensitivities typically prevent American Cardinals from being selected as Popes.
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