TIME magazine announced today that Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and xAI, has been named its 2025 Person of the Year, in recognition of his groundbreaking innovations and global impact across a range of spheres, from technology to politics. The nomination, revealed in a special edition of the magazine released this morning, highlights Musk as a figure who has “redefined the future of humanity” with projects such as the expansion of Starlink, advances in artificial intelligence and his growing influence on the international political scene.
A legacy of innovation
Elon Musk, 53, is no stranger to the title of “Person of the Year” — he was previously honored with the honor in 2021, following a landmark year for Tesla and SpaceX. However, TIME justified the 2025 choice by pointing to Musk’s more recent accomplishments. In an editorial by editor-in-chief Nancy Gibbs, the magazine highlighted Musk’s role in the expansion of Starlink, which, as of March 2025, has provided high-speed internet to more than 150 million people in remote areas, according to SpaceX data. “Musk has transformed global connectivity, connecting previously isolated communities and enabling advances in education and the economy,” Gibbs wrote.
Additionally, TIME praised the advances of Neuralink, which in February 2025 successfully implanted a brain chip in a quadriplegic patient, allowing him to control a computer with his thoughts alone, as reported by Wired . The magazine also mentioned the impact of Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI, which launched Grok 3, an AI model that Forbes said outperformed competitors like ChatGPT in logical reasoning tests in March 2025.
Political influence and controversies
Musk’s selection has not come without controversy. In recent years, he has become a polarizing figure, particularly for his political influence. In 2024, Musk donated more than $250 million to Donald Trump’s reelection campaign through his America PAC, as reported by Bloomberg , and was named co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the US, alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, according to CNN . His public criticism of the Biden administration and his advocacy of stricter immigration policies have sparked heated debate, with some accusing him of using his wealth to manipulate American politics.
TIME acknowledged these controversies, but argued that Musk’s influence is undeniable. “He is not only shaping the future of technology, but also the global discourse on government, economics and society ,” Gibbs said. “Like it or not, Musk is a force that cannot be ignored.”
Reactions to the announcement
Musk’s nomination as “Person of the Year” sparked a wave of reactions on social media. On X, the hashtag #MuskPersonOfTheYear reached more than 500,000 mentions in just a few hours. Some users celebrated the choice, such as @TechInsider, who wrote: “Musk deserves it! He’s taking humanity to new heights with Starlink and Neuralink.” Others, however, criticized the decision, with @GlobalActivist commenting: “Choosing Musk is a slap in the face to anyone fighting for social justice. He’s a billionaire who only cares about power.”
Public figures have also spoken out. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy congratulated Musk in a post on X: “Elon is redefining what’s possible. Congratulations on the honor!” Climate activist Greta Thunberg expressed disapproval in an interview with the BBC : “Musk represents a system that prioritizes profits over the planet. TIME should have chosen someone who is truly fighting for a sustainable future.”
Musk responds to the tribute
In a post on X at 7:30 AM EDT, Musk reacted to the nomination with his characteristic mix of humor and confidence: “Being TIME ’s ‘Person of the Year’ for the second time is cool, but I’d rather be the ‘Person of the Century’ on Mars. Let’s keep working!” He also shared the magazine’s cover, which shows him against a starry backdrop with the title “The Architect of the Future.”
What’s next?
Musk’s selection as “Person of the Year” comes at a pivotal time for his companies. SpaceX plans to launch its first crewed mission to Mars in 2026, while Tesla is set to unveil a new affordable electric vehicle model, according to Reuters . Additionally, Musk is facing legal challenges, including a recent lawsuit against Joy Behar and The View for defamation, as reported by Variety on April 10, 2025.
As the world debates Musk’s impact, one thing is certain: His influence continues to grow, and his vision for the future — whether on Earth or beyond — keeps the planet in suspense. TIME ‘s special edition will be available on newsstands starting April 12, 2025, and promises to offer an in-depth look at the man who, for better or worse, is shaping the 21st century.
