Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has sharply criticized Time Magazine's decision to name Donald Trump its 2024 Person of the Year. Lemon expressed his disapproval during a TikTok Live session, questioning the magazine's choice given Trump's controversial history.
Time Magazine justified its selection, stating, "For orchestrating a historic political resurgence, for driving a generational shift in political alignments, for reshaping the American presidency and altering America's global role, Donald Trump is Time's 2024 Person of the Year."
President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a reception after being named TIME’s "Person of the Year". (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Lemon argued that the magazine could have chosen someone who "actually stood for democracy" and questioned the publication's rationale. He pointed to Trump's past actions, including his involvement in the January 6th events and multiple criminal charges.
"You have someone on the cover of your magazine who is a convicted offender," Lemon stated. "You have someone who incited an insurrection. The evidence clearly shows he attempted to overturn a legitimate election. He faced numerous criminal charges and was found guilty on several counts. And you name him Person of the Year?"
Don Lemon criticized Time Magazine's decision on TikTok. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Congressional Black Caucus Foundation | Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Lemon's incredulity was evident as he questioned whether the announcement was a mistake or a hoax. "Is this a joke? A convicted felon is on the cover of Time Magazine as Person of the Year. Maybe we're being tricked. Did someone fabricate a tweet or something? I'm baffled," he concluded.
This isn't the first time Trump has received this recognition. He was also Time's Person of the Year in 2016 after his initial presidential victory. The magazine acknowledged his significant impact on the political landscape, stating, "Since launching his presidential campaign in 2015, arguably no individual has been more influential in altering the trajectory of politics and history than Trump. Trump is once again a global focal point, holding a position of power unlike any he's held before."
Other finalists for the 2024 title included Kamala Harris, Elon Musk (Time's 2021 Person of the Year), Joe Rogan, and Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump was previously Time Magazine's Person of the Year in 2016. ((Photo by Angel Valentin for The Washington Post via Getty Images))
Last year's Person of the Year was Taylor Swift.
