There are certain forms of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) that can hardly be explained in any other way than by recognizing TDS itself as a serious cognitive disorder—rather than merely a mockery used by MAGA supporters to describe Democrats who cannot come to terms with Donald Trump’s second term and react irrationally to everything the 47th president says, does, or is even remotely associated with.
A textbook example of such severe TDS is a recently published article by the left-leaning Daily Beast, which claims that Trump’s latest TIME magazine cover was inspired by a 1963 Newsweek cover featuring German industrialist and convicted Nazi war criminal Alfred Krupp.
According to the article, The Daily Beast ‘learned’ that ‘the composition on the new TIME cover is inspired by Arnold Newman’s 1963 photograph of Alfred Krupp,’ describing the original image as ‘among the most psychologically charged portraits ever produced for a weekly news magazine.’ To support this claim, the author relies on nothing other than an Instagram ‘like’ from Steven Voss, the photographer behind Trump’s recent portrait. Here is the essence of this so-called investigative journalism:
‘Voss appeared to confirm the reference by liking comments on Instagram where followers had asked him if the two images were linked. “Are you referencing Arnold Newman’s portrait of Krupp here?” one fellow photographer asked. Once Voss had liked the comment, Shayan Asgharnia replied again, “F*****g brilliant,” he said.’
‘Yet for those consumed by TDS, the two images are practically identical’
And that, essentially, is all the ‘evidence’ provided to support the allegation of Nazi inspiration. The author proceeds to recount the story of Krupp and the notorious photograph, how Trump recently mocked another TIME cover of himself as a ‘super bad picture,’ and a variety of other loosely related anecdotes—yet offers no proof beyond a single Instagram like.
Responding to the accusation, TIME stated that there is ‘no connection’ between the Trump and Krupp covers and that ‘claims suggesting otherwise are completely untrue.’ The magazine added: ‘Giving weight to speculation on social media is reckless and contributes to the spread of misinformation.’
Now take a look at the two covers. For the majority of people—those not afflicted by TDS—the only similarity between the two portraits is that both feature a man looking into the camera. The tone, posture, lighting, and overall composition are entirely different: one exudes confidence and authority, the other conveys unease and darkness. Yet for those consumed by TDS, the two images are practically identical—except, of course, that Trump is far worse than Krupp.
Despite all of this, Democrat-leaning commentators and media outlets eagerly amplified the claim. Even European outlets such as The Independent reported the story, echoing the same narrative that President Trump—and by extension, anyone opposing the progressive agenda—is, indeed, a Nazi.
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