Don Lemon, the former CNN host, recently expressed his outrage over Time magazine’s decision to name Donald Trump 2024’s “Person of the Year.” Appearing on his show, The Don Lemon Show, he joined countless critics in slamming the magazine’s controversial pick. According to Lemon, the title should have been awarded to someone who “stands for democracy,” rather than someone with the questionable history that Trump has. Lemon’s criticism focused on several aspects of Trump’s past and the implications of honoring him at such a tumultuous time in American history.
Lemon began by questioning the logic behind choosing Trump, emphasizing that simply being elected president does not automatically make someone deserving of the prestigious title. “Just because you are elected president of the United States does not mean that you should be ‘Person of the Year,’” Lemon remarked. He then posed a rhetorical question to Time magazine, saying, “What would you say to those women who I guess still read Time magazine?” This was a clear reference to Trump’s ongoing legal issues, including the 2023 jury decision that found him liable for sexually abusing author E. Jean Carroll. Trump was also found guilty of defaming Carroll after she came forward with allegations that Trump raped her in the 1990s.Still, Lemon expressed disbelief at the choice, questioning whether he had missed something.
“Is this a joke?” he asked on his show. “Did we get something wrong? Did someone scam us? Are we sure about this, producers? There is a convicted felon on the cover of Time magazine as the ‘Person of the Year.’ Maybe we’re being scammed.”
Lemon’s tone reflected the astonishment many felt over the selection, especially considering Trump’s legal troubles and the divisive nature of his presidency.
Lemon continued his critique, pointing out that Trump had been involved in the January 6th, 2021 Capitol insurrection, where his supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. “You have someone who inspired an insurrection,” Lemon said. “We have someone who, without a doubt, the evidence is there, tried to overturn a free and fair election.” Lemon’s comments reflect widespread criticism of Trump’s actions following the election and his role in the Capitol attack, which many saw as an assault on American democracy.
Despite Time’s explanation that the “Person of the Year” title is not an endorsement but an acknowledgment of a person’s influence, Lemon remained unconvinced. Time’s editor-in-chief, Sam Jacobs, defended the decision during an appearance on Morning Joe, explaining that Trump was chosen because of his historical impact, including the unprecedented comeback and political realignment he has driven in American politics. Jacobs also pointed to the assassination attempt on Trump in July 2024 as a significant moment in the “Age of Trump.”
The controversy surrounding Time’s choice to name Trump “Person of the Year” is not just about his past actions but also his ongoing legal issues. In 2023, Trump was convicted on 34 charges related to falsifying business documents, which were linked to an alleged affair with a porn star during the 2016 presidential campaign. Although Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges, the conviction further complicated his legacy. Additionally, his sentencing hearing in November 2023 was abruptly canceled after the 2024 presidential election, leaving the legal process hanging in uncertainty.
Trump’s influence on American politics is undeniable, and Time’s explanation for the pick centers around his impact on the country’s political landscape. In an article explaining the decision, Jacobs wrote, “For marshaling a comeback of historic proportions, for driving a once-in-a-generation political realignment, for reshaping the American presidency and altering America’s role in the world, Donald Trump is Time’s 2024 Person of the Year.” This statement reflects the magazine’s view of Trump’s lasting influence, but many critics, including Don Lemon, argue that such influence comes at a significant moral and ethical cost.
Lemon’s harsh criticism of the magazine is part of a larger conversation about Trump’s legacy and the influence of media on public perception. Time’s decision to name him “Person of the Year” underscores the complexity of assessing a figure like Trump—someone who has undeniably shaped the course of history but whose actions remain highly controversial. For some, the choice represents a recognition of Trump’s power and impact, while for others, it serves as a reminder of the deeply divided state of American politics.
While Time’s decision has sparked intense debate, one thing is clear: Trump’s influence continues to dominate the political landscape. Whether that influence is viewed positively or negatively, it remains undeniable. However, as Don Lemon pointed out, many are questioning whether honoring someone with such a troubled past is the right choice. In his words, “What are you doing, Time magazine?”
