TIME magazine puts Elon musk behind Donald Trump's desk on latest issue's cover, US president reacts

Donald Trump mocks Elon Musk’s provocative TIME magazine cover page cameo with a sarcastic response.


Pop Culture & Art February 08, 2025
Photo: Time

Former President Donald Trump had a sarcastic response to Elon Musk’s TIME Magazine cover, questioning whether the publication is even relevant anymore.

When asked for his thoughts during an Oval Office press conference, Trump initially brushed off the question with a simple "No." After a long pause, he quipped, “Is TIME Magazine still in business? I didn’t even know that.”

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Pres. Trump reacted to the new Time Magazine cover depicting Elon Musk sitting behind the Resolute desk. "Elon is doing a great job," Pres. Trump added. #trump #elonmusk #time #news #abcnews

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The magazine's cover features Musk sitting behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, a spot usually reserved for the Commander-in-Chief—a move that some have interpreted as a powerful political statement. While Trump later added, “Elon is doing a great job”, his initial jab made it clear he wasn’t entirely amused. The president’s dismissive remark comes shortly after he boasted about being named the magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year.

Will a Time Magazine Cover Drive a Wedge Between Trump and Musk? - The New  York Times

Photo: Time

As for Musk, he has been a vocal Trump supporter, recently calling him the “Greatest President Ever” and pledging millions to his re-election campaign. Despite their alliance, however, Musk has stirred controversy by clashing with MAGA insiders and openly criticizing Trump-backed projects like Stargate AI.

With Musk’s growing influence in Washington, some Trump loyalists are uneasy about his role, while others see him as an asset.

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