This article details how Spy magazine's satirical portrayal of Donald Trump as a "short-fingered vulgarian" significantly impacted him. Co-founder Kurt Andersen recounted how the nickname, originating from observations about Trump's hands, became a lasting insecurity for the former president.
The nickname wasn't a standalone comment but part of a pattern of satirical nicknames used by Spy magazine. Trump's physical characteristic was noticed by editor Graydon Carter, and the catchy phrase "short-fingered vulgarian" stuck, persistently influencing Trump and becoming a recurring point of reference. This led to Trump mentioning his hand size several times himself. Even political rivals, like Marco Rubio, used this to their advantage during the 2016 Republican primaries.
Trump's strong reaction to the nickname highlights his sensitivity to criticism. The article emphasizes that Spy magazine provided commentary about New York's elite in a non-reverent manner, contrasting with the more deferential tone of other publications.
Andersen reflects on how Trump's personality and actions have remained consistent over time, as observed in Spy Magazine's initial coverage. The article concludes by portraying Trump as essentially unchanged from his depiction in Spy magazine's earlier work.