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This is a positive feature in a publication that Trump has long exalted – but for one catch. The cover picture, he stated, ""might be the most terrible in history".

Time's tribute to Donald Trump's part in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, leading its 10 November issue, was presented alongside a photograph of Trump taken from below and with the sun positioned behind him.

The effect, the president asserts, is ""extremely poor".

"Time Magazine wrote a relatively good story about me, but the picture may be the most awful ever", the president posted on his preferred network.

“My hair was obscured, and then there was something floating my head that seemed like a hovering crown, but very tiny. Really weird! I have never liked being photographed from below, but this is a awful image, and it deserves to be called out. What are they doing, and why?”

Donald Trump has shown clear his wish to appear on Time’s cover and accomplished it on four occasions in the previous year. The obsession has made it as far as the president's resorts – years ago, the editors demanded to remove fabricated front pages exhibited in some of his properties.

The latest edition’s photo was shot by Graeme Sloane for a news agency at the presidential residence on October 5.

The shot's viewpoint was unflattering to Trump’s chin and neck – a chance that the governor of California Gavin Newsom seized, with the governor's office tweeting a version with the problematic part pixelated.

{The hostages from Israel detained in Gaza have been released under the opening part of Trump's ceasefire agreement, together with a Palestinian prisoner release. The arrangement may become a signature achievement of Trump's second term, and it might signify a strategic turning point for that part of the world.

At the same time, a support for his portrayal has been offered by unusual quarters: the communications chief at the Russian foreign ministry stepped in to condemn the "damaging" picture decision.

"It’s astonishing: a photo exposes those who chose it than about the person in it. Only disturbed individuals, people driven by hatred and animosity –maybe even degenerates – could have selected such an image", Maria Zakharova shared on Telegram.

"And given the complimentary photos of President Biden that the periodical used on the cover, notwithstanding his health issues, the case is self-damaging for the publication", she said.

The response to the president's inquiries – why did they choose this, and why? – might involve creatively capturing a impression of strength according to a picture editor, a media professional.

"The actual photo itself is well-executed," she notes. "They selected this photo because they wanted trump to look impressive. Gazing upward creates an impression of their majesty and the president's visage actually looks contemplative and almost somewhat divine. It's rare you see pictures of him in such a calm instance – the photo appears gentle."

His hair appears to “disappear” because the sunlight behind him has bleached that section of the image, producing a glowing aura, she explains. Although the story’s headline complements Trump’s expression in the image, "you can’t always please the individual in question."

Nobody enjoys being captured from low angles, and although all of the artistic aspects of the image are very strong, the aesthetics are unflattering."

The publication reached out to Time magazine for comment.