It’s not like we didn’t see this coming from a mile away. Time Magazine has released its latest issue, and the cover features none other than Elon Musk—sitting behind Donald Trump’s own Resolute Desk.
For anyone familiar with Trump’s long-standing obsession with Time Magazine, this development is nothing short of triggering for the former president. Trump has long relished being at the center of attention and has an almost legendary attachment to Time Magazine, so much so that he infamously hung fake Time covers featuring himself at several of his golf courses. While gracing the cover of Time is an accomplishment for any public figure, Trump’s affinity for the magazine goes beyond mere appreciation—it’s about status.
One of Trump’s most infamous fake covers, dated March 1, 2009, proclaimed The Apprentice a “smash television smash” and declared that “Trump is hitting on all fronts.” However, that issue never existed—Time Magazine confirmed that the cover was a complete fabrication. But that didn’t stop Trump from displaying it at four of his golf resorts, basking in a self-manufactured glow of prestige.
Now, with Musk gracing the latest Time Magazine cover in a position Trump sees as uniquely his own, the former president’s reaction was as predictable as ever. When asked about Musk’s placement behind his old desk, Trump dismissively quipped, “Is Time Magazine still in business? I didn’t even know that.”
For anyone paying attention, this response reeks of bitterness. Just weeks ago, Trump was singing a different tune, boasting about his frequent Time covers and thanking the magazine profusely. “I have to say, Time Magazine getting this honor for the second time—I think I like it better this time actually,” he gushed in a speech. “I do want to thank Time Magazine. I’ve been on the cover many times. I don’t know who has the record, but I can only probably talk well about 25% of the covers. 25% are great, the others I just sort of hide. But it’s been an honor.”
That’s the thing—Trump’s attack on Time now isn’t because he doesn’t care. It’s because he cares too much. And this is just another chapter in the ongoing power play between Musk and Trump, a dynamic that seems to be shifting more and more in Musk’s favor.
Trump’s reaction isn’t just about a magazine cover; it’s about what it represents. Elon Musk’s influence is quietly but steadily eclipsing Trump’s, particularly within right-wing circles and global politics. One of Musk’s earliest moves under Trump’s administration was to push for the removal of anti-China provisions in a spending bill, favoring his business interests over national policy. This move led to funding cuts in crucial areas, including pediatric cancer research, while ensuring that U.S. investments in China faced fewer restrictions.
More recently, Musk played a key role in dismantling the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an organization responsible for global humanitarian efforts. USAID provides clean water, HIV prevention, and famine relief programs while also fostering international alliances. Without it, global influence shifts to other powers—specifically China, a nation where Musk has significant business stakes.
Senator Chris Murphy, speaking on the issue, explained the broader consequences of Musk’s maneuvering:
“There’s a race underway right now—who will control the infrastructure of the global economy? The highways, ports, supply chains, and critical minerals necessary for technology. USAID helped us build alliances so that when countries needed to sell ports or resources, they wouldn’t immediately turn to China. Now, with USAID out of the picture, China is filling that gap, and our influence is waning. This isn’t accidental. It’s about business, and Musk has a vested interest in keeping China strong.”
Musk’s growing global influence, particularly his close economic ties to China, starkly contrasts with Trump’s America-first rhetoric. But make no mistake—Musk is leveraging Trump just as much as Trump has leveraged his supporters.
This moment in Time Magazine isn’t just about Musk overshadowing Trump—it’s about the broader shift within the Republican power structure. The GOP has increasingly become a battleground of self-interested billionaires jockeying for influence. Trump weaponized populism to build his base, but now Musk and others are using Trump himself as a vehicle to push their own economic agendas.
Caris Swier, a political analyst, put it bluntly:
“They’re using Trump as a vehicle. But ultimately, Elon has the power. He has the money, the relationships, and the influence. Trump is getting older, and they only need him for so long. In that way, Elon’s much more powerful.”
And that’s what Trump really can’t stand. The man who built his brand on being the center of attention is watching as another figure—a wealthier, more globally connected one—is taking over his space. The poll numbers reflect this shift, too. A recent Morning Consult poll shows Musk with a negative approval rating among Americans: 49% disapprove, 39% approve.
For Musk, that might not matter—he’s playing a longer game. But for Trump, watching Musk’s rise, especially when it comes at his expense, is nothing short of infuriating. And judging by his reaction, he’s not taking it well.
As the battle for influence continues, one thing is clear: Musk’s ascent in right-wing circles is far from over. And for Trump, the days of unquestioned dominance may finally be slipping away.
