Trump Criticizes ‘Super Bad’ Time Magazine Cover as the Worst Ever

Donald Trump has voiced sharp criticism of the recent cover photo featured in Time magazine, deeming it “the Worst of All Time.” The cover, which highlights Trump’s role in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, uses an image taken by Graeme Sloane on October 5, 2023. Trump expressed his displeasure on Truth Social, highlighting how the angle of the photograph distorted his appearance.
Trump’s Reaction to Time Magazine Cover
In his social media post, Trump mentioned that he rarely enjoys photographs taken from below. He referred to the image as “super bad” and claimed it appeared to depict something resembling a “floating crown,” suggesting an unflattering effect on his hair. Trump has previously expressed a desire to feature on magazine covers, having appeared on Time’s cover four times last year alone.
Political Context and Reactions
The cover story revolves around a significant political event: the release of Israeli hostages alongside Palestinian prisoners under Trump’s peace initiative. This deal could mark a pivotal moment in his potential second term.
- Date of Photo: October 5, 2023
- Publication Date: November 10, 2023
- Key Individuals: Donald Trump, Gavin Newsom, Maria Zakharova
- Photographer: Graeme Sloane
In a surprising defense of Trump’s portrayal, Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, criticized Time for its choice of image. She suggested that the photo reflects poorly on the magazine’s editorial decisions, particularly when compared to more flattering images of other political figures, such as President Biden.
Photo Analysis
Carly Earl, a picture editor at The Guardian, provided insight into the choice of the photograph. She noted that while technically sound, the image’s angle was less than flattering for Trump. Earl explained that the photograph aimed to instill a sense of grandeur and contemplation, capturing a rarely seen serene moment of the former president.
While the artistic intent might have been to present Trump heroically, many argue that such angles fail to flatter their subjects. The ongoing debate sheds light on the intersection of politics and media representation.