'Stop this right now': New York Magazine under fire for controversial cover featuring Trump and Biden nearly naked

Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The New York Magazine's July 15–28 Health Issue drew flak for portraying a nearly naked former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden on the cover.

It depicted the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates in underwear and shorts, respectively, standing on weighing scales for a medical examination.

The photo illustration by Martin Schoeller is derived from source photos of Trump by Seth Wenig and Biden by Mandel Ngan.

The absurd cover came at a crucial point in the 2024 presidential election where the incumbent is facing mounting pressure to drop out of the race due to age concerns. In contrast, his predecessor is attempting to milk the recent assassination attempt on him to boost support.

New York Magazine's Health issue talks about Joe Biden's deterioration

The latest edition covers a series of reports regarding American health and the existential crisis of the Democratic Party due to concerns about Joe Biden's fitness to be president.

Reporter Olivia Nuzzi wrote a piece titled 'The Conspiracy of Silence to Protect Joe Biden' delving into the declining cognitive fitness of the 83-year-old. It also features an interview with Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer, who was speculated to be a potential replacement for the Democratic ticket regarding her unexpected entry into presidential politics.

According to the description on X (formerly Twitter), the issue includes Jonathan Chait's article on how Democrats risk more than just an election if they continue to back Biden, and Mark Jacobson's pondering on aging amidst the media's focus on the octogenarian's health.

"We had already been thinking about how to address the fact that this health issue would drop in the middle of the presidential campaign, when the presidential debate put the health and age of the candidates in the center of the national conversation," New York's executive editor, Genevieve Smith said.

Internet blasts New York Magazine for featuring Trump and Biden in underwear on cover

Netizens responded with fury, saying the nearly naked Trump and Biden on New York Magazine's cover indicated the death of journalism. Many also pointed out that the image was gross and horrifying.

"This is so gross," a user wrote.

"This cover CGI is embarrassing. Journalism is dead," another remarked.

"What are they printing these days?" asked an outraged user.

"This is absolutely horrifying ew," read a response. Meanwhile, another called it "Very distasteful."

"Depending on deepfake laws, this cover could now be against the law," someone else claimed.

"Imagine if New York magazine did this to two women. The outrage would be absolutely insane!" An individual noted.

"The media have no shame," another added.

"Is this a real magazine cover? Stop this right now. Ain’t nobody got time for this," read one remark.

"They have taken freedom of speech to next level in The US," a user opined.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.