Washington D.C., February 9, 2025: A striking new TIME magazine cover featuring Elon Musk seated at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office has ignited controversy, drawing a sharp response from President Donald Trump and fueling rumors about Musk’s potential political ambitions. The cover, part of a feature titled “Inside Elon Musk’s War on Washington,” portrays the SpaceX and Tesla CEO casually holding a coffee cup, flanked by the American and Presidential flags, against a bold red backdrop—symbolizing his growing influence within the Trump administration.
When questioned about the provocative cover during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump snapped, “Is TIME magazine still in business? I didn’t even know that,” dismissing both the publication and the growing buzz surrounding Musk. This icy remark comes amid mounting speculation over Musk’s increasing role in federal governance and whispers of a future presidential run—rumors Trump has repeatedly denied.
The TIME feature delves into Musk’s powerful new position as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency Trump created shortly after beginning his second term on January 20, 2025. Musk’s role is unprecedented, with a mandate to streamline bureaucracy and lead efforts to dismantle federal agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Education. The article notes that “millions of government workers find themselves at Musk’s mercy,” as he wields sweeping power over federal operations. Critics argue that Musk answers only to Trump, raising concerns about unchecked influence within the government. Despite inquiries, DOGE redirected all questions back to the White House, which declined to comment.
While rumors swirl about Musk’s presidential ambitions, Trump has been quick to remind the public of constitutional barriers. “He’s not eligible. You need to be a natural-born American citizen,” Trump told reporters, referencing the fact that Musk, born in South Africa, is constitutionally barred from seeking the presidency. Nevertheless, some of Musk’s supporters have floated the idea of a constitutional amendment to make him eligible—a move that would face immense legal and political hurdles.
Trump’s dismissiveness toward TIME magazine isn’t new. He’s had a complicated relationship with the publication, having appeared on the cover twice, but also notoriously fabricating a fake TIME cover during his early career to promote The Apprentice. Despite frequently labeling the magazine as “irrelevant” or “fake news,” Trump remains sensitive to its portrayal of political figures, and Musk’s cover seems to have hit a nerve.
Musk’s prominent role highlights the growing intersection between the tech industry and politics. His influence over government efficiency programs mirrors how tech magnates worldwide are shaping policy beyond traditional corporate boundaries. While Musk’s supporters see him as a visionary bringing innovation to Washington, critics warn that this sets a dangerous precedent where billionaire CEOs hold disproportionate sway over democratic institutions.
For now, Musk remains one of the most powerful non-elected figures in Washington—a reality that TIME’s cover has starkly illustrated, much to President Trump’s irritation. The story continues to develop as reactions pour in from political leaders, industry experts, and the public.
