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Live updates: Trump won’t apologize to pope, pulls controversial Jesus post; Strait of Hormuz blockade in effect

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by The Hill Staff - 04/13/26 2:11 PM ET

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by The Hill Staff - 04/13/26 2:11 PM ET

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Facing backlash from his supporters President Trump removed a controversial social media post on Monday that portrayed him as Jesus in an AI-generated image.

The post landed as he lashed out against Pope Leo XIV, who has registered his opposition to the war in Iran since the conflict began in February. Trump on Sunday night called the pontiff “weak” in a post on Truth Social. The pope on Monday responded that he isn’t afraid of the Trump administration.

After weekend peace talks with Iran that yielded little, Trump planned Monday to begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and said later it was in effect. The negotiations have left questions about the future of the fragile ceasefire in the region.

Lawmakers will start returning to Washington on Monday after a two-week recess, where they’ll confront the fallout over the Iran war, deepening divides over a national security bill and a record-length partial government shutdown that has left some in the Department of Homeland Security without pay for two months.

An outcry over sexual misconduct allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) is certain to engulf the House, as calls to expel him and three other members who are accused of wrongdoing grow. Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday.

Trump on Monday will have a host of meetings before hosting the king and queen of The Netherlands for dinner, along with the first lady.

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