For the first time in its nearly century-long tradition of naming a Person of the Year, Time magazine has fact-checked a designee: Donald Trump. This unprecedented move accompanied the announcement of Trump receiving the title for 2024, marking the second time he has been so recognised—his first was in 2016, following his initial election as President.
The fact-check, described by Time as a “12-minute read,” scrutinises 15 separate statements made by Trump during an interview with the magazine. The interview transcript was released alongside the fact-check, highlighting inconsistencies in Trump’s remarks on topics ranging from border security to voter mandates and autism.
An unparalleled fact-check
While Time editors noted that previous interviews with figures such as Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Trump himself had included corrections, this is the first time such measures have been tied explicitly to the Person of the Year designation. The magazine said its decision reflects a commitment to journalistic integrity and accuracy, particularly given Trump’s history of controversial and unsubstantiated claims.
In the interview, Trump spoke about receiving a “massive mandate” from voters. Time countered this by pointing out that former President Barack Obama won significantly more electoral votes in both his 2008 and 2012 campaigns. Trump’s assertions about border security and autism were similarly scrutinised, with the magazine challenging his claims with data and expert opinions.
Past precedents and Trump’s media strategy
Trump’s relationship with fact-checkers has been contentious throughout his political career. Most recently, ABC News corrected several of his statements during his sole debate with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris earlier this year. The corrections sparked backlash from Trump’s team, who accused media outlets of bias.
In Time’s piece, reporters Simmone Shah and Leslie Dickstein also highlighted discrepancies in Trump’s claim that he was open to interviews with any media outlet during his campaign, “if he had the time.” The magazine noted Trump’s rejection of a 60 Minutes request and his shift in focus during the latter stages of his campaign to podcast interviews over mainstream media.
A controversial selection
Trump’s 2024 Person of the Year selection comes amidst significant competition. Other finalists included US Vice President Kamala Harris, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. In their editorial explanation, Time’s editors stated that the choice was “not particularly difficult,” given Trump’s enduring and polarising influence on the global stage.
More Read
Trump’s return to the forefront of politics and media has sparked both acclaim and criticism. His supporters view him as a trailblazer who continues to defy norms and redefine leadership. Critics, however, argue that his divisive rhetoric and frequent reliance on misinformation make his recognition as Person of the Year problematic.
A broader debate
The decision to fact-check Trump so extensively has ignited debate over the role of media in holding powerful figures accountable. Supporters of Time’s approach argue that such scrutiny is essential in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, especially from influential figures. Others, however, contend that it risks undermining the magazine’s neutral stance by appearing to single out one individual for critique.
Regardless of where one stands, the move marks a shift in how media organisations navigate their relationship with high-profile public figures. The line between journalistic diligence and perceived partisanship continues to be a tightrope for publications like Time.
A step towards transparency
As for Trump, his team has yet to issue a formal response to Time’s fact-checking. Given his history of pushing back against critical media coverage, it is likely he will have strong words for the magazine in the coming days.
In the broader context, Time’s approach raises important questions about accountability and truth in public discourse. By fact-checking its Person of the Year designee, the magazine has set a precedent that may shape its editorial practices—and those of others—for years to come.
