In a rather tongue-in-cheek moment, US President Donald Trump was asked about TIME Magazine’s latest cover, which depicted Elon Musk seated behind the Resolute Desk, advancing the "President Musk" narrative. In response, Trump quipped, "Is TIME magazine still in business? I didn’t even know that," prompting laughter from those present.
The light-hearted comment came after Trump was asked for his opinion on the controversial cover.
Displaying his characteristic bravado, he made it clear he wasn’t aware the publication still existed.
The magazine’s cover story questioned how Musk, a private businessman, has amassed unprecedented power and influence, with little accountability beyond the US president, who had empowered his campaign benefactor with a mandate to reshape government operations.
Despite his playful jab at TIME, Trump went on to offer a generous endorsement of Musk’s efforts, stating, "Elon is doing a great job. He is finding tremendous fraud and corruption and waste."
According to Trump, Musk’s revelations of inefficiency and fraud within government agencies—particularly the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—highlight issues that have long been overlooked.
"Everybody else knew it was existent but, I think, never so much when you look at USAID. The whole thing is a fraud," he added.
The president was quick to credit Musk's staff for their role in uncovering the alleged waste, praising the team’s dedication and commitment. “He’s got a staff that’s fantastic. He’s wanted to be able to do this for a long time,” Trump remarked, expressing confidence in Musk's ability to continue exposing inefficiencies within other parts of the government.
With his characteristic blend of humour and praise, Trump’s comments reflected both a dismissal of traditional media and a recognition of Musk’s disruptive influence on the US government’s operations.
