Trump «Beheads» Lady Liberty in Der Spiegel Magazine Cover

Local Editor

The latest cover of one of Europe's largest weekly magazines, Der Spiegel, had been widely discussed on social media, as the publication decided to feature America's new leader in a provocative pose.

On the cover, the quite recognizable figure of Donald Trump is seen holding a bleeding head of the Statue of Liberty in one hand and a bloodstained knife in the other. Der Spiegel's online version even offers an animated version, with the blood dripping from Lady Liberty's severed head.

The cover is an apparent reference to Trump's recent executive order that introduced a temporary travel ban on nationals from certain Muslim countries. Dubbed the "Muslim ban," the order had spurred a wave of protests and lawsuits.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel had reportedly criticized Trump's decision, saying his ban could not be justified with anti-terrorist efforts. The measure "does not justify putting people of a specific background or faith under general suspicion," Merkel's spokesman has said.

Some users criticized both Trump and "propaganda organ" Der Spiegel, while others mocked the magazine by offering their own improved versions of the cover.

It's not the first time the German magazine is inspired by the now US leader, dedicating controversial covers to Trump.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team