The latest cover of Time magazine shows Elon Musk sitting at the historic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office with the U.S. flag and the presidential flag behind him. This doctored image suggests not so subtly that Musk is the real power in the White House rather than President Trump.

Musk is igniting a fierce debate with a blitz of shocking moves at federal agencies. He has emerged as a central figure in Trump's presidency.

In an effort to slash government spending, President Trump has asked the world’s richest man, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, to lead his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In turn, Musk and his team have spent the first few weeks of Trump’s second term waging a largely unchecked war on the federal bureaucracy — an onslaught that was finally

Experts say he could easily snuff out federal investigations or safety initiatives that have stymied Tesla or his other companies.

Since taking office for his second term, President Donald Trump has issued a number of orders which included establishing the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE. This program, led by Musk, has caused a stir by going through government programs to validate funding.