Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Trump Responds to Time Cover Showing Elon Musk at Resolute Desk

The president dismissed the magazine's portrayal of Musk as a central figure in his administration while praising Musk's efforts to cut government waste.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 12: President-elect Donald Trump walks onto the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with his wife Melania, after being named TIME’s “Person of the Year” for the second time on December 12, 2024 in New York City. Trump attended a reception and rang the opening bell on the trading floor. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Image
Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk gestures on stage as he prepares to speak inside the Capital One arena on the inauguration day of Donald Trump's second Presidential term, in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2025.

Overview

  • Time Magazine's latest cover features Elon Musk sitting behind the Oval Office's Resolute Desk, symbolizing his influence as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
  • President Trump joked about not knowing if Time Magazine was 'still in business' but praised Musk for uncovering 'fraud, corruption, and waste' in government agencies.
  • Musk's actions, including targeting the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), have drawn criticism from Democrats and some Trump supporters for overstepping constitutional boundaries.
  • The administration has denied claims that Musk wields excessive power, emphasizing that Trump remains in full control of his agenda.
  • Observers speculate that the Time cover is an attempt to sow division between Trump and Musk, though Trump appeared unfazed by the magazine's portrayal.