Time magazine’s latest edition features President Trump Donald John TrumpTrump says he doesn't think he could've done more to stop virus spread Conservative activist Lauren Witzke wins GOP Senate primary in Delaware Trump defends claim coronavirus will disappear, citing 'herd mentality' MORE’s senior counselor, Stephen Bannon, on the cover with text that reads "The Great Manipulator."

The headline used for the piece inside the magazine asks, "Is Steve Bannon the Second Most Powerful Man in the World?"

"There is only one President at a time, and Donald Trump is not one to cede authority. But in the early days at 1600 Pennsylvania, the portly and rumpled Bannon (the only male aide who dared to visit Trump’s office without a suit and tie) has the tools to become as influential as any staffer in memory,” Time's David Von Drehle writes in his cover story.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bannon, the former chairman of Breitbart News, reportedly assisted in penning Trump's inaugural address and his immigration and refugee executive order. The former Navy officer and Goldman Sachs investment banker has also been given a seat on the National Security Council.

Earlier this week, The New York Times editorial board portrayed Bannon in similar fashion in terms of his influence inside the Trump White House in a op-ed titled, "President Bannon?"

"Imagine tomorrow if Mr. Trump is faced with a crisis involving China in the South China Sea or Russia in Ukraine," the board writes.

"Will he look to his chief political provocateur, Mr. Bannon, with his penchant for blowing things up, or will he turn at last for counsel to the few more thoughtful experienced hands in his administration, like Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and General Dunford?"

The Bannon Time magazine issue hits newsstands on Friday.