Time magazine’s latest cover featuring Elon Musk in the Oval Office has stirred controversy, prompting a sharp response from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The cover fuels speculation about Musk’s potential political influence, particularly regarding SpaceX’s growing role in governance.
The magazine showcases Musk seated at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, casually holding a coffee cup, with the American and presidential flags behind him. The striking red backdrop adds to the dramatic imagery.
When asked about the cover during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump dismissed the publication, saying, “Is Time magazine still in business? I didn’t even know that.”
Time Magazine Cover Draws Reaction from Donald Trump
Time magazine’s latest cover features tech mogul Elon Musk sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, sparking a reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump. In response, Trump questioned the magazine’s relevance, sarcastically asking, “Is Time magazine still in business?”
The cover presents Musk holding a coffee cup, seated at the presidential desk, with the American and presidential flags behind him. A striking red backdrop adds to the dramatic composition.
In addition, Time published a cover story titled “Inside Elon Musk’s War on Washington,” shedding light on the billionaire’s efforts to reshape the federal government since Trump took office on January 20.
Also Read: India and China Agree to Restart Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Direct Flights
Elon Musk’s Government Overhaul Sparks Scrutiny
Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has come under scrutiny for his aggressive efforts to streamline bureaucracy. His controversial moves to dismantle agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Education have drawn widespread attention.
A Time magazine cover story by Simon Schuster and Brian Bennett highlights the impact of Musk’s policies, stating that “millions of government workers find themselves at Musk’s mercy.” The article suggests that Musk operates with little oversight, answering only to President Donald Trump, who granted him broad authority to align government operations with his agenda.
According to the report, DOGE redirected all inquiries about its activities to the White House, which declined to comment. When asked about the Time cover featuring Musk, Trump responded dismissively, saying, “Is Time magazine still in business? I didn’t even know that.”
Elon Musk’s Second Time on Time Magazine Cover
Elon Musk has appeared on Time magazine’s print cover for the second time, following his “Citizen Musk” feature in November last year. That edition praised Musk’s role as a “kingmaker” in the November 5 presidential election, where Donald Trump defeated Democratic rival and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump, who has been named Time’s ‘Person of the Year’ twice, has long sought media recognition. He previously made headlines for fabricating a Time magazine cover that praised his reality TV show, The Apprentice.
In December, Trump dismissed speculation that Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur, could assume the presidency, emphasizing that U.S. constitutional rules require a natural-born citizen to hold the office.
Trump’s comments came amid growing discussions about Musk’s influence in his administration. While some critics, both within his party and among Democrats, have raised concerns about Musk’s expanding role, Trump’s office has consistently denied claims that Musk is steering government decisions.
Also Read: Donald Trump Inauguration
FAQs
Q.1. Why is Elon Musk on Time magazine’s latest cover?
Ans. Elon Musk appears on Time magazine’s cover due to his growing influence in government, particularly his leadership in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Q.2. What was Donald Trump’s reaction to Elon Musk’s Time cover?
Ans. Trump dismissed the magazine, sarcastically asking, “Is Time magazine still in business?” during a meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Q.3. What is Elon Musk’s role in the U.S. government?
Ans. Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with restructuring federal agencies, including controversial moves to dismantle USAID and the Department of Education.
Q.4. Has Elon Musk been on Time magazine’s cover before?
Ans. Yes, Musk previously appeared on Time’s cover as “Citizen Musk” in November, where he was described as a political “kingmaker” in the U.S. presidential election.
Q.5. Can Elon Musk become U.S. President?
Ans. No, Musk cannot become President as the U.S. Constitution requires a candidate to be a natural-born American citizen, a rule Trump reiterated when dismissing speculation about Musk’s presidency.
