President Donald Trump responded to Time Magazine’s recent cover featuring tech mogul Elon Musk, subtly poking fun at the publication that named Musk its “Person of the Year” for 2024. When asked about the cover, which depicted Musk behind the Oval Office’s Resolute Desk, Trump couldn’t help but make a quip.
During a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday, Trump casually remarked, “No, I didn’t even know Time Magazine was still in business.” The playful jab came as Time Magazine teased a story titled, “Inside Elon Musk’s War on Washington,” which focuses on Musk’s attempts to reshape the federal government during Trump’s first few weeks back in office.
Musk, known for his leadership at Tesla and SpaceX, is also at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he’s been tackling government waste, fraud, and inefficiency. His work, including efforts to dismantle bloated agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Education, has drawn significant attention. While some have criticized his actions, particularly regarding the Treasury Department’s payment system, Trump praised Musk’s efforts.
The President lauded Musk for uncovering “tremendous fraud and corruption” within government agencies. “He’s doing a great job,” Trump stated, adding, “You’re seeing it with USAID, and you’re going to see it more with other agencies.”
Musk’s initiatives have sparked mixed reactions among both Trump supporters and critics, with some questioning the extent of his influence in Washington. Despite these concerns, the Trump administration has maintained that Musk’s role is one of efficiency, not control over the White House.
In a related development, Trump’s stance on mainstream media has grown more aggressive. He has made strategic changes to who gets access to briefings, as well as approved investigations into public broadcasters, signaling his ongoing push against legacy media institutions.