President Donald Trump’s hand is depicted gripping a TV-style remote control with buttons bearing chilling names on the upcoming cover of The New Yorker, set to be released on September 29.
Artist Barry Blitt’s illustration features a prominent red “POWER” button, below which are a series of ominous commands: Mute, Pause, Stop, Stifle, Silence, Shun, Sack, Banish, Oust, Muzzle, Axe, Dismiss, and Torment. At the bottom of the remote, a larger red button simply reads “DEPORT.”
Blitt explained that his artwork reflects the desire for a president who not only governs the country but also influences the media landscape. The image was discussed by The New Yorker Editor David Remnick during an appearance on Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show.”
When asked by Colbert to explain the illustration of a “tiny hand in a big suit holding a TV remote,” Remnick initially joked that it was just “some guy who watches TV.” He later acknowledged that the image captures Trump’s intense focus on the media, particularly television.
Remnick emphasized the humor and reality depicted in the artwork, especially in light of Trump’s recent attacks on Jimmy Kimmel and the suspension of his show by ABC amid conservative backlash.
The conversation concluded with Remnick stating, “This is what’s going on.”
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Watch the interview here: [link to video]
