Time slammed over unflattering cover for issue on Trump's first 100 days of second term: 'Did him dirty'

WASHINGTON, DC: After facing backlash for its dramatic Elon Musk cover, Time magazine is once again under fire, this time for using an unflattering image of President Donald Trump. 

The new cover, which accompanies a feature on Trump’s first 100 days in a second term, has sparked ridicule across the internet, with users joking it should have come with a trigger warning.

Critics have likened the image to a low-budget horror movie poster rather than a dignified portrait, calling out the magazine for spotlighting Trump’s appearance, particularly his hair and makeup, in a way that feels more like satire than serious journalism.

Time unveils new cover featuring Donald Trump

Shared on the magazine's official X (formerly Twitter) page, the image shows Donald Trump’s face in striking detail — highlighting every wrinkle, lip crease, and heavy eyelid — set against a bold red backdrop with a white square frame.

The title, “Dealing with it,” appears printed directly over his head, credited to Time's senior political correspondent Eric Cortellessa. 

The dramatic portrait, shot by photographer Martin Schoeller, quickly went viral and sparked a flood of mockery and criticism online, with many comparing it to a horror movie poster rather than a presidential profile.

The backlash comes not long after Time faced similar criticism for a cover featuring Musk seated at the Oval Office desk, portraying the tech billionaire as if he were the president.

The May issue includes an exclusive interview titled “Inside Trump’s First 100 Days,” in which Trump described the early months of his term as an overwhelming success.

“What I’m doing is exactly what I’ve campaigned on,” he stated, adding, “I have solved more problems in the world without asking for or getting credit.”

Internet reacts to Donald Trump's new Time cover

Within hours of Time unveiling its cover featuring Donald Trump’s first 100 days of a second term, social media users quickly flooded the internet with reactions and commentary.

One wrote, "Scary photo," and another said, "He looks terrible! Why did he allow them to use that photo?!"

A person remarked, "Look at the fresh coat of paint Dead-eyed Donnie slapped on his face. Also, I read the interview and he’s a rambling, raging, inarticulate numbskull."

An individual simply referred to the cover as a "jumpscare." "Did him dirty smh.  You refuse him his honor and glory," a Trump admirer wrote. 

Pointing to a photo used inside the issue, one wrote, "Where's this one? What a blunder." Another person said, "Geez , please stop putting these close up pictures of him on your cover."

One more slammed the magazine, writing, "What a horrible pic you chose for your cover. You’re such a**holes." 

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.