Lindsey Graham Jokes Trump Should Be Next Pope \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Sen. Lindsey Graham sparked a social media stir by joking that Donald Trump should become the next pope. Trump also quipped about papal aspirations following the death of Pope Francis. The Catholic conclave is set to begin May 7 to choose the new pontiff.
Quick Looks
- Sen. Lindsey Graham jokingly suggested Donald Trump for pope.
- Trump himself said, “I’d like to be pope,” in a lighthearted exchange.
- Pope Francis passed away last week at age 88 from a stroke.
- Cardinals will begin the conclave to select his successor on May 7.
- Meghan McCain criticized Graham’s remarks, calling for seriousness.
- Trump noted admiration for New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, but added he has “no preference.”
- No American has ever been elected pope in Catholic history.
- Pope Francis had frequently criticized Trump’s policies, especially on immigration.
Deep Look
Lindsey Graham Jokes Trump Should Be Next Pope as Vatican Prepares for Historic Transition
In a moment of political humor that quickly drew attention online, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) playfully floated the idea of former President Donald Trump becoming the next pope, just days after the passing of Pope Francis at age 88.
Posting Tuesday on X (formerly Twitter), Graham quipped, “I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!” He added with tongue-in-cheek optimism, “The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke…”
Graham ended the post with a final flourish: “Trump MMXXVIII!”—the Roman numeral for 2028, suggesting the next presidential election year, cleverly merging political and religious symbolism.
The joke, however, didn’t sit well with everyone. Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Sen. John McCain, sharply replied, urging Graham to “get a grip,” signaling frustration with the senator’s ongoing alignment with Trump, even in jest.
Trump: “I’d Like to Be Pope”
The online exchange followed Trump’s own offhand remarks to reporters earlier this week outside the White House, where he joked, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice.” Though Trump later clarified he had “no preference” for who should succeed Pope Francis, he spoke positively about Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, calling him “very good.”
It’s unclear if Trump’s remarks were designed as satire, distraction, or simply his characteristic media banter. Still, his comments quickly drew attention as the Catholic Church embarks on a pivotal leadership transition.
Despite the humorous tone, the idea of a Trump papacy is clearly symbolic, not serious. Trump is not Catholic, has no clerical background, and papal candidates must be at least ordained priests. No American has ever held the papacy, and current odds do not include any U.S. cardinal as a likely contender.
Papal Conclave Set to Begin May 7
Following the death of Pope Francis, Catholic cardinals have scheduled the start of the papal conclave for May 7, after a period of informal meetings and internal discussions. The conclave—a highly secretive, centuries-old tradition—will see up to 135 eligible cardinal electors (those under age 80) sequestered in the Sistine Chapel to vote on the next pope.
Church leaders emphasized the importance of allowing more time before the vote to facilitate conversations and increase consensus. The upcoming conclave will mark a significant turning point for the Catholic Church, which now looks to replace a leader known for both progressive stances and vocal critiques of world leaders, including Trump.
Pope Francis’s Legacy and Tensions with Trump
Pope Francis, who passed away last week following a stroke caused by complications from chronic lung disease, had previously expressed pointed criticisms of Trump’s policies—particularly those relating to immigration, border enforcement, and nationalism.
In 2016, the pope famously questioned Trump’s Christian values in relation to his push for a border wall. Trump responded aggressively at the time, framing the pope’s statements as “disgraceful.” Their public clashes highlighted a philosophical divide between Francis’s global, humanitarian focus and Trump’s America-first rhetoric.
Despite those past tensions, Trump joined other global leaders in traveling to Rome over the weekend to attend the funeral and pay respects. His presence, while diplomatically expected, was notable considering his complex relationship with the late pope.
A Political Moment Cloaked in Humor
Graham’s post, though clearly made in jest, underscores the continued intertwining of religion and politics in American discourse. His reference to papal white smoke and the 2028 campaign hints at Trump’s ever-present position in the political conversation—even in moments unrelated to policy or government.
Supporters likely saw the comment as classic political satire; critics, however, questioned the appropriateness of invoking the Catholic Church’s highest office during a moment of religious mourning and reflection.
Still, the joke illustrates Trump’s enduring ability to dominate news cycles, turning even solemn transitions into moments of public spectacle or humor—depending on one’s perspective.
Looking Ahead to the Next Pope
As Catholic leaders prepare for the conclave, speculation continues about who might succeed Pope Francis. Despite Trump’s mention, Cardinal Timothy Dolan is not currently expected to be a leading contender. Most experts point to cardinals from Africa, Latin America, or Asia as more likely front-runners, reflecting the Church’s shifting demographics and the global South’s growing influence.
As for Trump’s “pope” aspirations—satirical or not—they serve as another example of how American politics and religious symbolism often collide, particularly when one of the most media-savvy figures in modern history is involved.
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