Summary
Donald Trump mocked Time magazine after its latest cover depicted Elon Musk sitting behind the Resolute Desk, questioning if the magazine was “still in business.”
While pretending indifference, the cover likely irritated him, as he was ecstatic just months ago when Time named him 2024 Person of the Year.
Speaking at the White House, Trump tried to dismiss the cover’s implications and praised Musk for uncovering “fraud and corruption.”
Despite his criticism, Trump has long craved Time’s approval, even displaying a fake cover of himself.
Musk and his friends understand soft power better than Trump does. That is, understand it at all. They have more options if that happens.