Fact Check: Is Donald Trump TIME’s most frequent cover subject?
WASHINGTON, DC: A recent claim that US President Donald Trump has appeared on the cover of TIME magazine more times than any other individual has called for a fact-check. According to a report, Trump reached a record 56 appearances and surpassed former President Richard Nixon, who held the distinction for more than five decades.
Claim: Trump appeared on TIME covers more than anyone else
Trump’s latest cover comes 35 days before the US midterm elections, at a time when his administration faces political, economic, Iran war and foreign-policy challenges.
In a recent interview with TIME, Trump discussed his presidency, the state of the White House, and the renovations. Standing outside the White House residence, he focused on what he described as poor conditions left by previous administrations.
Trump spoke about dirty walls, muddy areas around the Rose Garden, and the difficulties faced by Marine One helicopters when landing on the grounds. He highlighted the construction of a new 100-foot-wide helipad, saying pilots were particularly pleased because they no longer had to land in mud.
With the midterms approaching, Trump has highlighted low unemployment, economic growth, energy developments and new business opportunities as achievements of his administration. However, TIME noted that Americans are also dealing with rising costs for housing, healthcare and gasoline.
Trump's political standing has also come under pressure, with polls showing declining approval ratings. He rejected the unfavourable numbers, calling them “fake.” Democrats, meanwhile, are seeking to make gains in the House of Representatives and potentially the Senate.
Fact Check: The claim is true
The interview took place amid a separate dispute over White House press access. TIME said the administration had attempted to restrict some of its journalists from covering Trump at the White House and while travelling with the presidential press corps. The magazine said it had joined other news organisations in objecting to those restrictions.
Trump's first TIME cover appeared in 1989, when he was known primarily as a New York businessman and symbol of wealth and luxury. Since then, his image has appeared repeatedly on the magazine's iconic red border.
Nixon previously held the record, with his TIME appearances increasing during the Watergate scandal. The magazine noted that eight of its 10 most frequent cover subjects over the past century have been US presidents.
More than 20 artists and photographers have contributed to Trump's covers.
With 56 appearances, Trump now holds TIME magazine's record for the most individual cover appearances.
