Trump criticizes Pope Leo for meeting with ‘useless’ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV's meeting with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on May 30, writing in a Truth Social post that the mayor is "useless" and reiterating his opposition to Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon.
President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV's meeting with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on May 30, writing in a Truth Social post that the mayor is "useless" and reiterating his opposition to Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon.
"Someone should explain to the Pope that the Mayor of Chicago is useless, and that Iran cannot have a Nuclear Weapon!" Trump wrote, attaching screenshots of social media posts showing Johnson with the Pontiff.
Trump and Johnson, a Democrat, have previously clashed over immigration enforcement, including the deployment of ICE agents and National Guard troops to Chicago.
As Zeale News reported, Johnson met privately with Pope Leo at the Vatican on May 28, where the two discussed social justice issues. The mayor also invited the Chicago-born pontiff to visit the city in 2027 and celebrate Mass in Grant Park.
>> Chicago mayor invites Pope Leo to Chicago after talks on social justice <<
Trump's reference to Iran in the post echoed claims he has repeatedly made about Pope Leo's views on the country's nuclear program.
As Zeale News reported, Trump has asserted on social media, in interviews, and to reporters that the Pope supports allowing Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. Pope Leo has made no such public statement.
The Holy Father has instead called for peace and criticized the war with Iran, noting that several bishops have already concluded the conflict cannot be justified under just war theory.
In a statement issued later, Johnson criticized Trump's remarks.
"Chicagoans have had more than enough of Trump's blasphemous war in Iran," Johnson said. "Someone should explain to the president that he's only making it harder for working families to make ends meet."
