Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Oct 15: US President Donald Trump has expressed displeasure over his appearance on the cover of Time magazine’s 10 November issue, despite the publication’s positive story praising his role in brokering a Gaza ceasefire.

Trump took to Truth Social, calling the cover image “super bad” and “may be the Worst of All Time.” He criticized the angle of the photo, which was taken from below with sunlight behind his head, saying it “disappeared” his hair and created a small, floating crown-like effect. He also questioned why the magazine chose that particular shot.

The photograph, taken by Bloomberg photographer Graeme Sloane at the White House on 5 October, drew reactions from several quarters. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office highlighted the area around Trump’s chin and neck by pixelating it, while Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs director of information, Maria Zakharova, defended the president and criticized the magazine’s choice as “self-incriminating.”

Experts, however, suggest the angle was a deliberate choice to convey power and grandeur. Carly Earl, picture editor at Guardian Australia, said the photograph was intended to make Trump appear heroic and contemplative, with the sunlight creating a halo effect that softens his features. She noted that while the technical elements of the image were strong, its aesthetics were unflattering from the subject’s perspective.

Trump, who has previously expressed a desire to feature on Time’s cover, has appeared on the magazine four times last year. The latest incident underscores his sensitivity to media portrayal, even when accompanied by favorable coverage.