Elon Musk's confrontation with Washington has become the cover story of the latest issue of Time magazine, as Elon Musk leads a massive streamlining effort in the U.S. government.

The "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) he leads has taken over the U.S. Digital Service and entered the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), implementing layoffs, budget cuts, and restructuring federal agencies. In early February, DOGE attempted to forcibly enter the headquarters of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and after being denied, Musk referred to it as a "criminal organization" on X, after which the agency nearly came to a complete halt.

The Trump administration authorized Musk to advance the "Project 2025" reforms, aimed at reducing the size of government and eliminating opposition. Multiple civil servants were forced to resign for refusing to cooperate, and some top officials in various agencies were replaced. The Democratic Party and unions have initiated legal lawsuits, with some courts ruling to temporarily suspend related actions. However, Musk still controls key agencies, raising concerns that government power is being excessively influenced by private entrepreneurs.