Time Magazine has chosen Donald Trump as its 2024 Person of the Year, citing his remarkable political resurgence. The announcement on December 12 acknowledged Trump’s unexpected return to the political forefront, defeating notable contenders like Kate Middleton, Kamala Harris, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Yulia Navalnaya.
In explaining their decision, Time Magazine stated that Trump’s “unparalleled political rebirth” made him a defining figure of the year. Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs noted, “For marshalling a comeback of historic proportions, for driving a once-in-a-generation political realignment, for reshaping the American presidency and altering America’s role in the world, Donald Trump is TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year.”
Shortly after naming Trump Person of the Year, Time Magazine published a series of articles scrutinizing his interview. One such article, titled Fact-Checking Trump’s 2024 Person of the Year Interview, provided a detailed transcript with corrections and clarifications.
One focal point of the fact-check was Trump’s comments on vaccines. During the interview, he stated, “The autism rate is at a level that nobody ever believed possible. If you look at things that are happening, there’s something causing it.”
Although Trump stopped short of directly linking vaccines to autism, his remarks echoed long-debunked misinformation that has fueled anti-vaccine sentiment. Time Magazine emphasized that there is no scientific evidence supporting a link between vaccines and autism.
Trump also hinted at potential policy changes regarding vaccines. He suggested conducting “very serious testing” to evaluate the safety and necessity of certain vaccines, mentioning that some could be removed from the market if deemed “not beneficial.” However, he downplayed the potential backlash, stating, “It’s not going to be very controversial in the end.”
Time Magazine highlighted the broader implications of Trump’s remarks, noting that they could reignite debates within the anti-vaccine movement and public health communities.
Time Magazine’s choice of Donald Trump as its 2024 Person of the Year has sparked significant debate. While the decision underscores Trump’s political comeback, it also shines a spotlight on his contentious views, particularly regarding vaccines. Through detailed fact-checking, the magazine has sought to provide context and clarify his statements, ensuring readers are informed.
