Full Breakdown
Trump’s Doctored Cover Attack on Candace Owens Sparks Intra-MAGA Rift
4/26/2026, 1:00:42 AM
Core Event: Trump’s Truth Social Post and Greene’s Counter-Response
On Friday, President Donald Trump posted a doctored *TIME* magazine cover on Truth Social that labeled conservative commentator Candace Owens “Vile Person of the Year.” In the same post he wrote that Owens’ “stock … has fallen a long way,” called her attack on France’s first lady “despicable,” and described her as an “extremely Low IQ individual.” Former U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene replied on X, asserting that “President Trump hates women he can’t control, who don’t worship him, women who actually worship God, and are much more intelligent than he is. Women like @RealCandaceO.” Greene also listed several female officials she said Trump had forced out of his cabinet.
Background & Context: Growing Criticism Over Iran Policy and Prior Attacks on Female Allies
Owens had recently called Trump a “genocidal lunatic” and urged his removal via the 25th Amendment after Trump threatened to “wipe out Iranian civilization.” The president’s post follows a pattern of recent attacks on female MAGA allies, including Megyn Kelly, and on other commentators such as Tucker Carlson and Alex Jones, whom Trump also labeled “Low IQs.” Greene resigned from Congress in January 2026 after a public falling out with Trump, citing disagreements over the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and the 2026 Iran conflict.
Data & Statistics: Poll Decline and Legal Exposure
National polls cited in coverage indicate Trump’s approval rating has fallen sharply since January 2026. Owens faces a defamation lawsuit from France’s first couple over repeated claims that Brigitte Macron was born male. Trump’s post asserted that Owens’ “stock … has fallen a long way,” though no independent verification of that claim was provided.
Official Statements & Responses
- Trump (Truth Social): Shared the doctored cover and described Owens as an “extremely Low IQ individual” whose stock had declined and whose remarks about the French first lady were “despicable.”
- Greene (X): Accused Trump of hating women he cannot control, cited the departures of Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi, and Lori Chavez DeRemer, and claimed Trump’s behavior reflected influence from activist Laura Loomer.
- White House: The administration did not respond to media inquiries about the post.
- Laura Loomer (X): Countered Greene’s claim, noting that Trump has a female chief of staff and that most cabinet positions are held by women.
Criticism & Opposition
Greene’s response framed Trump’s attacks as gender-based retaliation and highlighted perceived punitive actions against female officials. Owens’ earlier criticism of Trump’s Iran stance and her legal vulnerability add further pressure on the president. Loomer’s defense of Trump underscores divergent views within the MAGA coalition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the spelling of former Governor Kristi Noem’s name (“Christi Noem”) and on the surname of Lori Chavez DeRemer (“DeReemer”). Descriptions of Trump’s attacks vary, ranging from “low IQ” to “nut jobs” and “losers.” No official confirmation exists regarding Owens’ alleged stock decline or the precise reasons for the cited cabinet departures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Candace Owens’ stock, which was never very high, has fallen a long way. Her attack on the First Lady of France is despicable. I believe, in this case, without verification, she is an extremely Low IQ individual!” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “They’re stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, too!” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “President Trump hates women he can’t control, who don’t worship him, women who actually worship God, and are much more intelligent than he is. Women like @RealCandaceO.” — Marjorie Taylor Greene, former U.S. Representative
- “This cruel post about Candace looks like something Laura Loomer would conjure up as she gives Trump his talking points, policy decisions, and political advice which is literally destroying him and the Republican Party.” — Marjorie Taylor Greene, former U.S. Representative
- “He has a female Chief of Staff and most of his cabinet positions are filled by women,” — Laura Loomer, conservative activist
What’s Next: Ongoing Intra-MAGA Tensions
The dispute unfolds as the 2026 Iran conflict and upcoming midterm elections intensify scrutiny of Trump’s leadership. Further statements from the White House, additional commentary from MAGA figures, and the outcome of Owens’ defamation suit are likely to shape the evolving rift within the Republican coalition.
