President Trump has made his thoughts known regarding Time Magazine’s recent cover featuring Elon Musk, a prominent figure in the tech industry. The magazine, which previously named Trump as its “Person of the Year” in 2024, now showcases Musk behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. During a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump was asked for his reaction to the photo illustration. With a shake of his head, Trump responded, “No. Is Time Magazine still in business? I didn’t even know that.”
The timing of Trump’s jest coincided with Time Magazine revealing a cover story titled “Inside Elon Musk’s War on Washington,” shedding light on Musk’s efforts to revamp the federal government early into the president’s new term. Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) initiative to reduce wasteful spending, has faced criticism for his actions to dismantle agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Department of Education. A federal judge temporarily blocked DOGE’s access to payment systems at the Treasury Department, raising concerns about the extent of influence the Trump administration has granted the Tesla CEO.
Despite the controversies surrounding Musk’s actions, Trump commended him for his work, stating, “He’s finding tremendous fraud and corruption and waste… You see it with the USAID, but you’re going to see it even more so with other agencies and other parts of government.” Trump praised Musk for his dedication and the quality of his team, emphasizing that Musk had long aspired to enact these changes.
Musk’s initiatives have sparked debates among Trump supporters and Democratic opponents, with questions arising about the extent of his influence within the White House. The administration has consistently refuted claims that Musk is the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. Following his triumph over former Vice President Harris, Trump was also featured on the cover of Time Magazine, where he discussed his plans for a second term.
In recent days, Trump has taken a more aggressive stance against mainstream media, implementing changes in White House and Pentagon briefing room access, authorizing investigations into public broadcasters, and applauding the restructuring and layoffs in traditional media outlets that signal internal turmoil. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, visit The Hill.
