Eight crimson hats, inspired by the iconic slogan of the movement (“Make America Great Again”), adorn the new cover of the American magazine Time. But instead of her name, embroidered on them are the names of countries where — according to his critics — he has launched or expanded military operations.
Venezuela, Nigeria, Ecuador, Syria, Iraq, Somalia and Yemen are featured on the signature red jockey hats that the US president wears at almost every public appearance. The image acts as a symbolic comment on US military policy under his leadership, turning the domestic policy slogan into an allusion to Washington’s foreign policy of aggression.
Trump’s wars
“Trump promised to end wars, not start them. Instead, it has deployed military forces in increasingly shocking ways,” notes Time. According to the publication, no modern American leader has authorized attacks on so many countries in such a short period of time.
Since returning to office, Trump has given the green light for operations in eight countries, three of which have never previously been the direct target of US military strikes. In 2025 alone, the magazine notes, he authorized more individual airstrikes than his predecessor had authorized in total in four years.
As the war with Iran enters its seventh day, Time attempts a comprehensive account of the new American strategy. Trump has ordered an extensive campaign of airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, while authorizing naval operations against Venezuelan ships suspected of drug trafficking.
At the same time, he signed the operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, an operation that cost the lives of more than a hundred people and resulted in his transfer to New York to stand trial.
Days after the attack on Tehran, the United States also engaged in joint military operations in Ecuador, targeting “designated terrorist organizations.” At the same time, Washington also appears to be turning its attention to Cuba, where President Miguel Diaz-Canel has stepped up military exercises amid reports that Trump has asked his advisers to consider scenarios for ending the island’s 60-year communist rule.
Time’s cover thus turns the most recognizable symbol of Trumpism into a sharp political allegory: a stack of red hats that reminds us that the slogan “Make America Great Again” is no longer just about America, but also about how the country projects its power to the world.
