President-elect Donald Trump was named Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year” and honored with the opportunity to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), marking a symbolic victory for the incoming president after years of challenges.
The event was met with enthusiastic chants of “USA! USA!” from traders on the floor, signaling a renewed sense of optimism for the country’s future.
Celebrate Trump's Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!
While Trump’s supporters celebrated the moment, the announcement sparked a wave of outrage from some on the left.
Critics lashed out at Time Magazine for its decision, with notable figures expressing their discontent.
Former CNN host Don Lemon publicly questioned the magazine’s choice, reflecting the frustration among those who opposed Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
LMAO 🤣🤣🤣
Don Lemon is having a MELTDOWN on TikTok LIVE over Trump being named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. pic.twitter.com/lrzZMvXqCP
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) December 12, 2024
One common line of attack from critics was to compare Trump to Adolf Hitler, a strategy that failed during the campaign and was soundly rejected by 77 million voters who backed Trump.
The comparison, which many see as diminishing the true horrors of Hitler’s regime, resurfaced following the Time announcement.
Among those who reignited the “Hitler gambit” was former CIA Director Gen. Michael Hayden.
Hayden, a retired four-star general, faced criticism for his remarks comparing Trump’s selection to Time’s infamous 1938 choice of Adolf Hitler as “Man of the Year.”
Enough said. https://t.co/qpSZUDGwRw
— Gen Michael Hayden (@GenMhayden) December 12, 2024
Hayden’s comments drew sharp rebukes from conservative voices, who questioned how someone with such views could have risen to such a prominent role in the intelligence community.
Critics also noted Hayden’s involvement as a signatory to the controversial “51 former intel officials” letter that sought to discredit the Hunter Biden laptop story, further undermining his credibility.
Hayden’s remarks added fuel to ongoing calls for reform within government institutions.
Many conservatives argue that Trump’s administration must focus on appointing strong leaders to bring accountability and reform to the intelligence community and the Pentagon.
Kurt Schlichter, a columnist for Townhall, criticized Hayden’s comments, pointing out the absurdity of the comparison.
This retard is the epitome of the generals who have failed to unequivocally win a major war on 30+ years. https://t.co/gUwUeQA3Fn
— Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter) December 13, 2024
Vice President-elect JD Vance also weighed in, delivering a ‘perfect response‘ that dismissed the remarks as baseless and counterproductive.
Barack Obama was also Time’s person of the year. So was Bill Clinton.
One of President Trump’s great contributions to American society is revealing that many of our respected career bureaucrats are, in fact, fools. https://t.co/SbulQR8Nif
— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 13, 2024
While critics of Trump decried his selection as “Person of the Year,” it is worth noting that Time has a long history of controversial choices.
Former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton have both received the honor, as have non-political figures like Taylor Swift.
Obama and Bill Clinton were also Time magazine people of the year. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/KNvfAabkWB
— SL (@SLandinSoCal) December 13, 2024
Trump being named TIME Person of the Year is the biggest upgrade ever from Taylor Swift pic.twitter.com/dg4ewtUXzq
— Siraj Hashmi (@SirajAHashmi) December 11, 2024
In 2006, Time even chose “You”—a nod to social media users—as the “Person of the Year.”
— Small Gov Lizard (@smallgovlizard) December 13, 2024
The suggestion that Trump’s selection was uniquely controversial ignores the magazine’s tradition of recognizing individuals who have had a significant impact, whether positive or negative.
For Trump and his supporters, the recognition by Time Magazine and the celebratory atmosphere at the NYSE represented a triumphal moment and a foreshadowing of the changes his administration promises to bring.
Despite the backlash, the chants of “USA! USA!” on the trading floor reflected the optimism of those looking forward to the incoming administration’s efforts to reshape the nation’s future.
As critics continue to voice their objections, the spotlight remains on the policies and reforms Trump and his team will pursue starting January 20th.
Meanwhile, figures like Hayden’s comments serve as a reminder of the deep divisions that persist within the political and bureaucratic landscape.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.