Former CNN host Don Lemon took to TikTok Live to express his disapproval of TIME Magazine's decision to name President-elect Donald Trump as their 2024 Person of the Year.

Lemon's criticism stemmed from his belief that Trump's controversial history made him an unfit candidate for the accolade, but the magazine's leadership clearly disagreed, as Fox News reports.

The publication praised Trump for orchestrating a significant political comeback and altering America's global role. Trump, who overcame legal and physical threats during his campaign, has once again become a pivotal figure in American politics.

TIME Magazine Cites Trump’s Influence

TIME Magazine has a tradition dating back to 2000 of naming the presidential election winner as its Person of the Year. In its 2024 announcement, the publication highlighted Trump's substantial influence on the political landscape since his entrance into politics in 2015. It emphasized his role in driving a political realignment and reshaping the presidency.

Lemon, however, argued that this influence does not align with democratic principles. He questioned TIME Magazine's decision, suggesting that the accolade could have gone to an individual who truly represents democratic values.

Lemon’s Strong Critique of Choice

During his TikTok Live session, Lemon posed questions to Time Magazine about their choice. He described the publication as a "joke" for honoring someone with a contentious track record, opposing their decision based on Trump's past actions and several felony convictions. Lemon expressed confusion, wondering if a mistake had occurred with the announcement.

Trump had previously been named TIME Magazine Person of the Year in 2016 after his first presidential election victory. Despite this, Lemon pointed out that winning an election does not automatically warrant such recognition.

He criticized the magazine for not choosing among other finalists who also had significant public influence this year.

Other Notable Finalists Considered

The list of finalists for 2024 Person of the Year also included significant figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, entrepreneur Elon Musk, podcaster Joe Rogan, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Last year's recipient was pop superstar Taylor Swift, applauded for her record-breaking "Eras" tour.

The magazine justified its choice by emphasizing Trump's strong return to the political spotlight. It stressed his unparalleled impact on politics and history, underscoring his current position of power and influence.

Lemon Questions Trump’s Democratic Values

Lemon continued to highlight what he perceived as a problematic choice by TIME, stressing that the selected individual should embody the essence of democracy. He raised concerns about Trump’s legal and political controversies, which include alleged attempts to overturn a fair election and inspire insurrection.

The magazine's portrayal of Trump focused on his unique role in reshaping American politics, despite the controversies surrounding him. They noted his return to a position of strength and influence as factors that warranted his selection as Person of the Year.

Conflicting Views on Time’s Decision

Lemon's statements reflect a broader discussion about the implications of the decision and who deserves the spotlight as Person of the Year. His criticism underscores a divide between acknowledging influence and upholding principled democratic values.

While TIME Magazine argued that Trump played an unmatched role in shifting the political landscape, Lemon questioned whether such an impact aligns positively with democratic ideals. His reaction highlighted ongoing debates about the qualifications and implications of Time’s annual designation.

Historic Context and Reactions

The controversial decision to name Trump has sparked diverse reactions, drawing attention to the complex criteria used for selecting the Person of the Year. Lemon's remarks serve as a reminder of the varied interpretations that can arise from such high-profile recognitions.

The magazine's decision, in adhering to tradition, has nonetheless generated substantial discussion, reflecting the contentious nature of contemporary political dynamics. Trump’s selection exemplifies the challenges inherent in balancing influence and ethical considerations in such recognitions.

In the ever-evolving landscape of politics and media, Time's choice continues to prompt critical discourse and scrutiny, encapsulating the complexities of determining the impact of influential figures in an era of global change.