Trump TIME Cover Sparks Controversy with Nazi-Era Photo Comparison

A new TIME magazine cover featuring former President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm online. Critics are drawing direct parallels to a famous 1963 portrait of convicted Nazi war criminal Alfried Krupp. The visual similarity has prompted intense debate across social media platforms.

The controversy centers on the composition and tone of the two images. According to The Daily Beast, the photographer for the Trump cover appeared to acknowledge the connection on social media.

Examining the Striking Visual Parallels

Both portraits feature the subjects with their hands clasped under their chins. The lighting and overall mood are notably similar. Trump’s pose shows him at the Resolute Desk in a powerful stance.

Photographer Steven Voss captured the TIME cover image. He reportedly liked an Instagram comment asking if the Krupp portrait served as inspiration. He later unliked the comment, according to The Daily Beast.

The original Krupp photograph was taken by Jewish photographer Arnold Newman for Newsweek. Newman initially refused the assignment, calling Krupp “the devil.” He eventually accepted the job under editorial pressure.

TIME’s Firm Rejection of the Comparison

The magazine has issued a strong statement denying any connection. TIME officials called the speculation “reckless” and false. They stated their references were past presidential portraits and their own historical covers.

This is not the first time Trump has criticized TIME’s cover choices. He previously denounced an October cover on Truth Social. He complained about the angle and said it made him look strange.

The latest cover accompanies an interview where Trump discusses Middle East policy. It presents him in what some describe as an authoritarian light. The comparison has raised questions about editorial intent.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the specific controversy about the Trump TIME cover?

The controversy involves the striking visual similarity between Trump’s new TIME cover and a 1963 portrait of Nazi industrialist Alfried Krupp. Many observers note nearly identical posing and lighting between the two images, creating immediate comparison.

How has TIME magazine responded to these claims?

TIME has completely denied any connection between the two photographs. The publication stated that claims suggesting otherwise are false and contribute to misinformation spread through social media speculation.

Who was Alfried Krupp and why does his portrait matter?

Alfried Krupp was a convicted Nazi war criminal who used slave labor in his industrial empire during World War II. His 1963 portrait by Arnold Newman has become iconic for its chilling depiction of industrial power and moral corruption.

Has the photographer commented on the similarity?

Washington-based photographer Steven Voss liked an Instagram comment noting the similarity to the Krupp portrait. He later unliked the comment, according to reporting from The Daily Beast, though he hasn’t made a public statement.

Why is this visual comparison significant?

The comparison gains significance due to Krupp’s historical role as a Nazi war criminal. Drawing visual parallels to such a figure creates powerful, and for many, disturbing associations with political leadership and imagery.