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In response to a recent Time magazine cover that portrayed Elon Musk seated at the Resolute Desk as if he were the president, Donald Trump exhibited a dismissive attitude, quipping whether the publication was “still in business,” and claimed he had not seen the latest issue.
This flippant remark came shortly after Trump announced his recognition as Time‘s 2024 Person of the Year, a title he has coveted since first receiving it following his successful 2016 presidential run, which he recently reaffirmed during public statements.
During a press briefing at the White House, which included a meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan, Trump was questioned about the magazine’s characterization of Musk as the de facto leader of the White House. The cover was accompanied by an extensive article detailing Musk’s substantial influence on federal policies and describing his actions as part of a “war on Washington.”
A reporter asked, “Mr. President, do you have any reaction to the new Time cover that has Elon Musk sitting behind your Resolute Desk?” His body language changed noticeably in response to the question.
Trump replied, “No,” asserting that he was unaware of the cover. He added, “Is Time Magazine still in business? I didn’t even know that. Elon is doing a great job.”
He continued by lauding Musk for exposing “tremendous fraud and corruption and waste,” specifically mentioning Musk’s significant role in effectively eliminating the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which focuses on foreign aid and development efforts.
Trump praised Musk’s team, referring to them as “fantastic,” despite a recent controversy surrounding a staff member who resigned following the exposure of racist remarks, a situation that Vice President JD Vance has characterized as deserving of reinstatement for the staffer.
The former president expressed that Musk would likely be available for press briefings in the near future, noting Musk’s willingness to engage with media on issues related to dismantling governmental structures.
Despite Trump’s current claims of ignorance regarding Time‘s ongoing existence, this comes in sharp contrast to his excitement over being featured on the magazine’s cover mere months ago, an issue that elicited a mix of admiration and jealousy.
On the day the Time edition announcing him as Person of the Year was released, which coincided with his ceremonial ringing of the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, Trump expressed pride over the recognition. He referred to the back-to-back honors as “a tremendous honor,” showcasing a level of nostalgia tied to his past accolades.
Trump had previously indicated that his second appearance on Time‘s cover was even more satisfying than the first, reflecting a personal significance he attaches to such recognition.
While Trump has often disparaged Time, especially during years when he was not featured in their influential rankings, he has also long sought validation from the publication. Notably, he even displayed a fabricated Time cover story at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
At the time of his original recognition as Person of the Year in 2016, Trump praised the magazine as “very important” and celebrated the accolade as a “tremendous honor,” showcasing his complex relationship with the publication.
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www.yahoo.com