Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was visibly shocked upon hearing that President-elect Donald Trump was named Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year.” During Thursday’s episode of “The Don Lemon Show,” which he posted on Youtube, Lemon displayed the Time cover featuring [Trump](https://www.westernjournal.com/fire-sale-biden-auctions-off-critical-infrastructure-trump-needs-sticks-americans-bill/) and expressed his disapproval in a passionate outburst. “They [Time] could have done it to someone who actually stood for democracy,” he remarked.
Despite his criticism, Lemon quickly acknowledged that Trump, as an elected official, does represent democracy. However, he argued this alone doesn’t justify Trump receiving such an honor. “Just because you are elected president of the United States does not mean that you should be ‘Person of the Year,'” Lemon stated firmly. His reaction soon made its way onto social media platform X.
Demanding answers from Time Magazine, Lemon questioned their decision-making process: “Time Magazine, what are you doing?” He delved into various accusations and controversies surrounding Trump before once again questioning how such a figure could be named “Person of the Year.”
Ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon triggered over Trump being named Time’s Magazine Person of the Year: ‘What are you doing?’ pic.twitter.com/aMqi1EE8gE
— SHO’NUFF (@IAMSHO_NUFF) December 13, 2024
Lemon seems to struggle with Trump’s significant influence as he told viewers, “Maybe we’re being scammed.” Given Trump’s eventful 2024 — marked by legal battles, multiple assassination attempts, extensive media coverage, and a decisive election victory — it’s hard to argue against his impact on history.
It is crucial to remember that being named “Person of the Year” isn’t necessarily an endorsement of one’s moral standing. Past recipients have included controversial figures like Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Putin. In fact, Time chose Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler as “Man of the Year” in 1939. This choice has been criticized over time but serves as a reminder that the title reflects influence rather than virtue.
In recent years, Time has had to clarify their stance on such selections after facing backlash for seemingly glorifying dictators’ actions. For instance, Hitler was depicted unfavorably on their cover with imagery illustrating his atrocities rather than celebrating them.
This week, Time explained on its website how they select individuals for this title: “For 97 years, the editors of TIME have been picking the Person of the Year: the individual who, for better or for worse, did the most to shape the world and headlines over the past 12 months.” The key phrase here is “for better or for worse.”
To be fair, I was also shocked to see Trump on the cover of Time. Only I was shocked in a good way, and I am totally here for it! The left has vilified this man and he has done nothing but try to make things better for our country. He deserves 50 person of the year awards.