Candace Owens reacts to Trump 'TIME' spoof cover: ‘What was he trying to accomplish?’

WASHINGTON, DC: Conservative commentator Candace Owens reacted to President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post that labeled her the “most vile person on earth” after returning from a trip to Italy on Wednesday, April 29.

During her livestreamed birthday episode titled 'TIME MAGAZINE: World’s Most VILE Person?!', Owens addressed the post and the spoof 'TIME'-style cover shared by Trump, questioning both its timing and intent while responding with sarcasm and criticism.

Candace Owens reacts to Trump’s 'low IQ' remarks after returning from Italy

Opening her broadcast, Candace Owens reacted to a 'TIME'-style spoof cover circulated by Donald Trump, which featured an unflattering image of her alongside criticism of her remarks about First Lady of France Brigitte Macron.

Trump had described her as an “extremely Low IQ individual” in his Truth Social post and claimed her “stock” had fallen.

“What did I miss?” Owens said during the livestream. “Oh, a Presidential award ceremony where I was awarded 'TIME's' most vile person on earth. Really? Okay Trump. Wow, to what do I owe the honor?”

She also pointed to what she described as “absolute whiplash” in political messaging, contrasting the post with broader debates over rhetoric following recent public controversies involving high-profile political events.

She said that Trump's attack was due to "what was going on between me and Trump in the previous weeks." Owens added, "He has already said such things, and as if his comments were evident in the first four times- this is the fourth tweet about me from the leader of the free world."

Candace Owens questions motive behind Trump 'TIME' spoof post

Owens suggested the post went beyond personal criticism and raised questions about intent and coordination.

“Who demanded the tweet? What was he trying to accomplish with it?” she asked, calling it “a little bit of politicking.”

She went on to claim that Washington operates through pressure tactics involving sensitive information.

“Washington DC runs on blackmail and secrets,” Owens said, alleging that political figures are often pressured through personal vulnerabilities to influence behavior and messaging.

Candace Owens acknowledges authenticity of photo used in spoof cover

Despite her criticism, Owens acknowledged one detail from the spoof cover shared by Trump.

“I got to give Trump a little credit here because the photo he shared of me, to be clear with you guys, it is real. It is not AI,” she said, adding that she would not “sit here and lie” to her audience.

The exchange marks a further escalation in her strained relationship with Trump-aligned political circles, following her continued criticism of US foreign policy and public disputes tied to recent controversies involving prominent conservative figures.