Former President Donald Trump clashes with TIME over his latest magazine feature
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again made the cover of TIME magazine — this time for his role in a controversial new peace deal — but it’s not the recognition that’s making headlines. Instead, Trump is reportedly furious about the photo chosen for the cover, calling it “the worst of all time.”
The TIME feature highlights Trump’s efforts in brokering a multi-nation peace agreement, a move his supporters have hailed as one of his most significant diplomatic achievements. However, the magazine’s editorial choice for the cover image — showing Trump in a dimly lit, serious pose — has sparked strong reactions from the former president and his team.
Trump’s Reaction: “It’s a Terrible Picture”
According to sources close to Trump, he was “shocked and insulted” when he saw the image. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump allegedly posted that the picture made him “look tired and unfairly portrayed.” He further accused the magazine of bias, suggesting that the photo was chosen to undermine the positive story of his peace negotiations.
“It’s supposed to be about peace, about success,” Trump reportedly said. “Instead, they make me look like I just lost a war.”
The TIME editorial team has not commented publicly on Trump’s response but maintained that their cover choices are made “solely for artistic and journalistic purposes.”
Mixed Public Reactions
As usual, public opinion is sharply divided. Trump’s supporters have rallied behind him, echoing his criticism and accusing the magazine of “media manipulation.” Meanwhile, critics argue that the reaction is typical of the former president’s long-running battle with the press.
Political analyst Rachel Simmons commented, “It’s another classic Trump moment — he manages to turn any story, even a positive one, into a headline about himself.”
On social media, the cover quickly went viral, with memes and edits spreading across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Many users joked that Trump’s reaction may draw even more attention to the article — a phenomenon some have dubbed “The Trump Effect.”
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Trump’s Complicated History with TIME
This is far from the first time Trump has clashed with TIME. During his presidency, he often criticized the magazine’s annual Person of the Year issue, once falsely claiming he had declined the title.
Despite the criticism, his face has appeared on numerous TIME covers — often signaling moments of major political impact or controversy. This latest appearance marks his first since 2023, further emphasizing his continued influence in U.S. and global politics.
A Peace Deal Overshadowed by Controversy
The peace agreement featured in the magazine reportedly involves a regional ceasefire in the Middle East, backed by multiple governments. While details remain under wraps, it was expected to be one of Trump’s key foreign policy talking points in the coming months.
However, with attention now shifting to his public feud over the photo, many fear that the diplomatic achievement could be overshadowed by yet another Trump-media clash.