There’s no shortage of federal decisions or flurry of signed executive orders that has Americans scratching their heads. However, one decision that many likely didn’t expect from Trump’s Administration was inviting Elon Musk onto the political scene. With all the power the SpaceX chief executive has been recently given, one might think Musk is on his way to replacing the Vice President or even Donald Trump himself. Some editors at Time certainly felt this way, as they decided to put Musk sitting behind his Resolute Desk in the Oval Office on the magazine’s cover.
Needless to say, many watched and waited for Donald Trump’s reaction to the Musk Time cover, and finally, the President responded during an interview with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. “Mr. President, do you have a reaction to the new Time Magazine cover that has Elon Musk sitting behind your Resolute Desk?” a reporter inquired. “Is Time Magazine still in business? I didn’t even know that,” Trump snarkily replied.
Donald Trump then changed the subject and went on to praise Elon Musk, claiming that he’s “doing a great job” with the Department of Government Efficiency. “He’s finding tremendous fraud and corruption and waste,” the President continued. Overall, one might assume Trump was unbothered by the reporter’s question and chose to focus on other matters. However, many feel that the comment regarding whether Time Magazine is still around is somewhat ironic. Back in December 2024, Time granted Donald Trump the title of ‘Person of the Year.’ “Trump’s political rebirth is unparalleled in American history,” the magazine read, referring to him as the “world’s most powerful man.”
One would think that after such an honor to be deemed the ‘Person of the Year,’ the President would have more positive feelings for the publisher. Some followers believe Trump was actually insulted by the move and felt a bit jealous or even resentful of Time’s latest cover. “He doesn’t like sharing the limelight with President Musk,” commented a Redditor. “Can’t wait for him to blow a gasket, and soil his diaper,” another remarked about the 47th President. “Well I mean, Elon is the president so I don’t understand what Trump is upset about,” sarcastically chimes in a third.
Regardless of whether Donald Trump indeed has a fragile ego or really doesn’t care for Time’s portrayal of him or Musk, there’s no denying that the Tesla CEO has been quite busy as a “special government employee.” In an endeavor to save “tax dollars from being stolen for WASTE and FRAUD,” the leader of DOGE has been executing plans to cancel DEI (diversity, equity, & inclusion) contracts, among other expenses. For those in opposition to Musk in a general sense, his political movements are rather alarming.
Whatever the case, Donald Trump clearly plans to keep working with Elon Musk throughout his time in office, giving the Tesla Technoking free reign over many influential aspects of the federal government. President Musk jokes aside, seeing both businessmen in action reshaping America into what they desire is quite a frightening scene for many.
