Over the years, there have been some unflattering editorial depictions of US President Donald Trump, so it’s rare that he ever acknowledges when he’s slapped on a magazine cover. That all changed when the White House posted the latest cover for Newsweek – a bold illustration of the President alongside the text “Trump was right”.
For years Trump has been somewhat of an editorial illustration muse, featuring across prominent publications like The Economist, TIME and The New Yorker. With varying degrees of sardonic caricature, it’s safe to say that most Trump mag covers are less than flattering, but Newsweek has finally turned the tables.
“TRUST IN TRUMP”, the White House tweeted alongside the magazine cover featuring an illustration of the President in a quasi-colonial explorer outfit. A smug look is smeared across his face as a gas pump nozzle drips from his hand, his larger-than-life figure looming over Venezuela’s oil supply.
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From a Trump-eye view, it’s easy to see how, superficially, this could seem like a flattering depiction. His towering stature, confident face, and the admittance that “Trump was right” (about Venezuela, at least) seem like a triumph, but that’s far from the truth.
The cover is actually inspired by a satirical illustration of businessman Cecil Rhodes, created for the British magazine Punch. Dating back to 1892, “The Rhodes Colossus” is a famous satirisation of British imperialism, mocking Rhode’s immense corporate greed. In short, no Trump, that Newsweek cover isn’t a compliment.
For more editorial artwork, take a look at The Economist’s provocative America at 250 cover art or check out how one illustrator took aim at Trump and went viral.
