The Real Reason Trump Was Reportedly Furious About His TIME Magazine Cover
A new TIME Magazine cover featuring Donald Trump has reportedly sparked quite a reaction from the former president. While the cover story itself focuses on Trump's role in brokering a recent ceasefire deal, it seems the accompanying photograph is what really got under his skin.
According to his biographer, the TIME cover carried extra sting, not just because of the perceived unflattering depiction of his hair and neck, but also because of Trump’s well-documented and long-standing obsession with the magazine.
In a late-night Truth Social post, Trump reportedly complained about the photo, stating that it "may be the Worst of All Time." He specifically mentioned issues with how his hair was portrayed and the angle from which the photo was taken. He said, “They ‘disappeared’ my hair, and then had something floating on top of my head that looked like a floating crown, but an extremely small one,” Trump wrote. “Really weird! I never liked taking pictures from underneath angles, but this is a super bad picture, and deserves to be called out. What are they doing, and why?”
But is it just vanity? Michael Wolff, author and co-host of the "Inside Trump's Head" podcast, suggests there's more to it than that. Wolff and co-host Joanna Coles believe Trump's dissatisfaction with the image stems from its unflattering angle and perceived focus on his neck and thinning hair. According to Wolff, using a low-angle shot is a common technique employed by the media to "diss somebody."
The online reaction has been equally critical. Ron Filipkowski, from the left-leaning media company MeidasTouch, reportedly described the skin around Trump's neck as a "neck vagina," a sentiment that appears to have resonated with many online.
It's no secret that Trump has a complex relationship with the media, and TIME Magazine seems to hold a particular significance for him. The former president is reportedly closing in on Richard Nixon’s record for the most TIME covers. He has even reportedly displayed fake TIME covers featuring himself at his golf clubs, before TIME asked for their removal. Receiving the TIME Person of the Year honor in December 2024 marked his 43rd cover appearance.
Whether it's the angle, the lighting, or simply the fact that it's a reminder of the scrutiny he faces, this particular TIME Magazine cover seems to have touched a nerve with Donald Trump. His reaction highlights his continued sensitivity to his public image and his enduring fascination with the iconic magazine. This sensitivity to public image is not unusual, particularly for those in the public eye, but this particular situation seems to be more intense given Trump's history with media coverage and political commentary. Understanding these dynamics is crucial when analyzing current events and political news.
The Daily Beast also reached out to White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, who called Michael Wolff "a lying sack of s--t and has been proven to be a fraud."
So, what do you think? Is Trump's reaction justified, or is this just another example of a public figure being overly sensitive about their image? Let us know in the comments below!
```