Iconic Photo of Trump After Assassination Attempt Stirs Controversy and Debate

An unnamed photo editor at a major news outlet argues that the wide circulation of the historic photo of former President Trump standing tall after the assassination attempt is "dangerous" and provides "free PR" for the Trump campaign.

Former President Trump's defiance in the face of an assassination attempt has been captured in a powerful and potentially iconic photograph that has sparked controversy and debate. The image, taken by Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci, shows Trump with a bloodied face raising his fist to the crowd as he's rushed off the stage.

The photo has been widely praised as both iconic and instantly historic, and it will be on the next print cover of TIME Magazine. Some observers have said it could change some people's perceptions forever of Trump, one of the most controversial, beloved, and loathed political figures in American history.

Iconic Photo of Trump After Assassination Attempt Stirs Controversy and Debate

However, an unnamed photo editor at a major news outlet believes it is "dangerous" for the media to highlight the photo, arguing that it casts the former president in a positive light and provides free PR for his campaign. The photo editor told Axios, "The amount that publications have been using Evan's photo is kind of free PR for Trump in a way, and it's dangerous for media organizations to keep sharing that photo despite how good it is."

Axios also cited a photographer "from a major news outlet" who suggested the media refrain from using the photo to avoid casting Trump in a positive light. Some photographers have expressed concerns that promoting the viral photos could be a form of "photoganda" because the Trump campaign will use them to further their agenda, despite the photographers' intent of capturing a news event.

Iconic Photo of Trump After Assassination Attempt Stirs Controversy and Debate

Despite these concerns, the photo continues to be widely circulated and has been hailed by some as a powerful symbol of Trump's resilience and defiance. The Washington Post's art critic Phillip Kennicott called it "a photograph that could change America forever." Psychotherapist Jonathan Alter feels the image "encapsulates the essence" of what Americans want from its leaders.

"The image and the preceding event perfectly capture the raw vulnerability of a powerful former leader at his most vulnerable moment likely ever in his life, only to be followed by that of perseverance, strength, and defiance in the face of evil," Alter told Fox News Digital.

Iconic Photo of Trump After Assassination Attempt Stirs Controversy and Debate

"This image very well encapsulates the essence of what most Americans have come to admire in our heroes -- both in fiction and in real life -- and in those we look towards to lead: emerging from chaos with resilience and authority, and unwavering toughness," he continued. "Frankly, one that might change the narrative on ‘toxic masculinity.’"

Trump himself addressed the now world-famous photo during an interview with the New York Post on Monday, quipping, "A lot of people say it’s the most iconic photo they’ve ever seen. They’re right and I didn’t die. Usually, you have to die to have an iconic picture."

Iconic Photo of Trump After Assassination Attempt Stirs Controversy and Debate

The debate over the use of the photo highlights the complex and often fraught relationship between the media and politicians. It also underscores the power of images to shape public opinion and mold perceptions of historical events.