President-elect Donald J. Trump was named the TIME Magazine Person of the Year, on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016.
A person who had the “greatest influence, for better or worse, on the events of the year” qualifies to be named Person of the Year, according to TIME Magazine. Last year’s cover selection was German Chancellor Angela Merkel for leading the German people for the last ten years. TIME Magazine has also selected controversial figures in the past like Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin.
Some students are pleased by the selection and believe President-elect Trump more than fulfills the Person of the Year qualifications.
“He has been the topic of most conversations all year, shocking the world when he became the Republican nominee, then amazing and surprising us when he defeated Hillary Clinton against all odds,” Jackson Dembski ’18, a member of Young Republicans said.
Despite President-elect Trump making controversial comments throughout 2016, some students continue to support the TIME Magazine selection.
“It’s a great thing he is named Person of the Year,” Paige O’Brien ’18, an active member of Young Republicans said. “For better or worse, he has influenced America this past year. This is a great way to welcome him into the presidency.”
However, other students, like Simone Barr ’18, a member of Young Democrats, disagree with the selection.
“I do not believe he was the right choice because he has perpetuated hateful and negative behaviors within the nation,” Barr said.
Students like Thomas Moy ’17 are confused about the magazine’s cover choice.
“I’m a little shocked he won it because there is so much controversy around him particularly around the topics of race and women,” Moy said. “There are many other people that are more deserving of the award.”
O’Brien acknowledges the disapproval of Trump being named Person of the Year.
“I understand people who do not support him being upset about this, but it is a great way to move on from the election, and into the next presidency,” O’Brien said.
This is the 90th selection for Person of the Year, and with only hours after the announcement Staples’ students have upheld the phrase, “President of the Divided States,” shown on the TIME Person of the Year cover featuring President-elect Trump.
Photo used under the Creative Commons license
