On Friday night, Donald Trump caused a social media frenzy after he tweeted out that he was in the running to become the 2017 Time Magazine "Person of the Year." While that was the president's story, the publication decided to clarify what took place.
TIME on Trump
After the controversial and historic 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump became the most talked about individual around the world, often for all the wrong reasons. After pulling off the upset with a shocking win over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, Trump was named the 2016 TIME Magazine "Person of the Year." At the time, the former host of "The Apprentice" said it was a tremendous honor, but a lot has happened over the course of the last year.
With his approval numbers dropping to all-time lows and having passed little in the form of legislation in Congress due to in-fighting with his own Republican Party, Trump decided to give himself a little ego boost. On Friday night, the president tweeted out that he was contacted by TIME Magazine to possibly be named the 2017 "Person of the Year." Trump elaborated and explained that he turned down the offer due to the obligation of an interview and photo-shoot because he couldn't be guaranteed the award. As seen on their offical Twitter account, TIME Magazine made sure to fact-check the commander in chief.
The President is incorrect about how we choose Person of the Year. TIME does not comment on our choice until publication, which is December 6.
— TIME (@TIME) November 25, 2017
In a tweet sent out by the offical TIME Magazine Twitter account, the publication was forced to set the record straight in regards to Donald Trump's claims.
"The President is incorrect about how we choose Person of the Year," the tweet read, before adding, "TIME does not comment on our choice until publication, which is December 6."
Hate to tell you but that PROBABLY means you’re NOT Person of the Year. They just wanted a photo shoot. But I’m sure you still have that fake TIME cover somewhere in storage. https://t.co/HkW1XkKxXK
— Richard Stengel (@stengel) November 24, 2017
In addition, former TIME Magazine editor Richard Stengel also responded to Donald Trump on Twitter, which doubled down with a more emotional and personal attack on the president.
"Hate to tell you but that PROBABLY means you’re NOT Person of the Year," Stengel tweeted. "They just wanted a photo shoot," he continued. "But I’m sure you still have that fake TIME cover somewhere in storage," Stengel concluded.
Time Magazine called to say that I was PROBABLY going to be named “Man (Person) of the Year,” like last year, but I would have to agree to an interview and a major photo shoot. I said probably is no good and took a pass. Thanks anyway!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 24, 2017
Next up
While Donald Trump continues to be at odds with the majority of the mainstream media, he has many other issues to worry about in the White House.
As of press time, the future of health care and tax reform remain a mystery, with the Russian investigation heating up by the day, all while the billionaire real estate mogul sits on an approval rating of less than 40 percent.
