The 'Trump's Fake TIME Cover' meme originated in 2017 when reports surfaced that several of Donald Trump’s golf clubs displayed framed copies of a TIME magazine cover featuring him, dated March 1, 2009—an issue that never actually existed. The real issue from that date featured Kate Winslet. This discovery sparked a wave of internet parodies where users inserted their own faces or absurd headlines into the iconic red-bordered magazine frame. It serves as a commentary on self-branding, 'fake news,' and the desire for status, and it is frequently used to mock individuals who exaggerate their own accomplishments or importance.