Trump posts Atlas-inspired AI image after Iran strikes

US President Donald Trump shared an artificial intelligence-generated image on his Truth Social platform on Friday depicting himself as Atlas, the figure from Greek mythology traditionally portrayed carrying the world on his shoulders.

The image showed Trump draped in an American flag while holding the Earth aloft. The post did not include a caption.

The image was shared a day after US forces launched retaliatory strikes against drone storage sites in Iran, according to the information provided. Observers cited by the source said the imagery appeared to suggest Trump viewed himself as carrying the burden of supporting the world, reports the Independent UK.

In a separate post, Trump also shared an image comparing himself at age 20 while attending New York Military Academy with former President Barack Obama at age 18, depicting Obama holding what was described as a marijuana joint.

The Atlas image follows a broader pattern of symbolic depictions shared by Trump on social media. Earlier this year, he posted an image of himself wearing clerical robes and appearing to heal a sick person. Critics and some supporters interpreted that image as drawing a comparison to Jesus, while Trump later said it was intended to portray him as a doctor "making people better."

In Greek mythology, Atlas was condemned to hold up the heavens as punishment after siding against the Olympian gods during a rebellion.