Imagine the leader of the free world, former President Donald Trump, unleashing a blistering attack on a magazine cover that's supposed to celebrate his biggest diplomatic triumph yet. He dubs it the 'worst of all time,' and it's sparking debates far and wide. But here's where it gets controversial – is this just a case of vanity clashing with journalism, or something deeper about how power is portrayed in media?
Donald Trump has always had a complicated relationship with Time magazine, a publication he's frequently praised as a beacon of influence. Yet, this time, he's laser-focused on one glaring flaw: the cover image for their November 10 issue. The piece itself is a glowing tribute to Trump's pivotal role in negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza, a deal that's being hailed as a potential game-changer in Middle Eastern politics (you can read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/09/gaza-ceasefire-deal-trump-biggest-diplomatic-achievement-what-detail). But the photograph accompanying it? Trump declared it 'super bad' in a post on Truth Social, and he's not holding back.
Captured by photographer Graeme Sloane for Bloomberg at the White House on October 5, the picture shows Trump from a low angle with the sun positioned directly behind his head. This lighting choice creates an overexposed effect that makes his hair appear to vanish, leaving what looks like a faint, floating halo atop his head. Trump himself described it as 'really weird,' questioning Time's editors: 'What are they doing, and why?' He even hinted at some hidden agenda, suggesting they 'disappeared' his hair on purpose.
But here's the part most people miss – this isn't Trump's first rodeo with Time covers. He's openly coveted those front-page spots, landing on them four times in 2024 alone (check out the details here: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/12/trump-time-magazine-person-of-the-year). His fascination even extended to his own golf courses, where fake Time covers were once displayed until the magazine requested their removal back in 2017 (more on that story: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/28/time-magazinetrump-fake-covers-golf-clubs). It's clear this obsession runs deep, blending ego with a genuine appreciation for the magazine's prestige.
The photo's angle isn't kind to Trump's chin and neck, and it didn't escape notice. California Governor Gavin Newsom's team seized the moment for a bit of playful satire, tweeting a pixelated version of the image that blurred out the unflattering parts (see it here: https://x.com/GovPressOffice/status/1978145308111438073). Meanwhile, an unexpected defender emerged from Russia: Maria Zakharova, director of information at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, slammed the choice as 'self-incriminating.' On Telegram, she argued that only 'sick people, obsessed with malice and hatred – perhaps even perverts' would select such a photo, especially when compared to the more flattering covers given to figures like Joe Biden despite his health challenges. She called it a double standard that reveals more about the editors than the subject.
To shed light on this, Carly Earl, Guardian Australia's picture editor, offered an expert perspective. She praised the photo's technical quality, explaining that the low angle was chosen deliberately to evoke a sense of heroism and grandeur. 'Staring up at someone gives a sense of their power,' she said, noting how Trump's expression comes across as contemplative and almost angelic – a rare, serene moment in his public imagery. The halo effect from the sunlight isn't a mistake; it's an artistic choice that ties into the story's headline about a man brokering peace. Yet, she acknowledged that not everyone appreciates being shot from below, and while the concept is strong, the aesthetics aren't universally flattering. 'You can't always please the subject matter,' she added, highlighting the balance editors must strike between impact and sensitivity.
For beginners diving into the world of photojournalism, think of it like this: Imagine photographing a superhero – you'd want them looking powerful and otherworldly, right? That's what Time aimed for here, using light and angle to symbolize Trump's role in a historic ceasefire. This deal, part of his broader peace plan, has already led to the release of living Israeli hostages from Gaza and Palestinian prisoners, marking a potential turning point in Middle East relations. But is this halo a stroke of genius or a vanity affront? And this is the part most people miss – does criticizing a photo undermine the real achievement it's highlighting?
We reached out to Time magazine for their side of the story, but as of now, they haven't responded. In the meantime, Trump's reaction has ignited a firestorm. Is he overreacting, or is this a valid critique of media portrayal? And here's where it gets controversial – could Russia's defense be seen as ironic, given global tensions? What do you think – do politicians have a right to control their image, or should journalists prioritize storytelling over flattery? Share your thoughts in the comments below; we're curious to hear if you side with Trump, the editors, or somewhere in between!
