Vance Gets an Earful from MAGA Base Over Trump’s Attacks on Pope

Fresh from a trip to Pakistan that failed to produce a breakthrough in efforts to end the Iran conflict, Vice President JD Vance traveled to Athens, Georgia, for a campus tour organized by Turning Point USA.

The backlash highlighted challenges facing Trump, particularly over the Iran conflict and his recent attacks on Pope Leo XIV. (Photo: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk, Catholic Church England and Wales Flickr)

Instead of a large, enthusiastic crowd, Vance encountered a sparsely attended event, according to reporting by Bill Barrow and Emilie Megnien for the Associated Press (AP).

Rather than showcasing the youthful energy that helped return Donald Trump to the White House less than two years ago, the event featured a mostly empty venue, awkward exchanges, and unusually sharp criticism from supporters.

The backlash highlighted challenges facing Trump, particularly over the Iran conflict and his recent attacks on Pope Leo XIV, including a controversial social media post depicting himself as Jesus.

“I did vote for Trump. I am not a Trump supporter anymore,” said Joseph Bercher, a Catholic who welcomed the pope’s opposition to the war with Iran.

He described the meme, which Trump later deleted following backlash, as a “red flag.”

“He sees himself as like a demagogue or someone to be worshipped,” Bercher said.

C.J. Santini, a recent graduate of Liberty University, said he was uncertain whether Iran posed an immediate nuclear threat but dismissed Trump’s attacks on the pope as “stupid” and a distraction from more pressing issues.

Jessie Williams, a Methodist, said religious leaders should avoid politics but acknowledged why Catholics were offended by Trump’s remarks. He also described the meme as distasteful.

Blake McCluggage, a Baptist, criticized both the meme and Trump’s Easter message, which included threats against Iran’s civilian infrastructure.