*Warning: This article contains potentially offensive language to our readers.*
President Donald J. Trump took to Twitter yesterday, giving America a supposedly behind the scenes look into the selection process of Time magazine's 'Person of the Year.'
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
President Trump won the award in 2016.
Time magazine responded but their answer was a bit peculiar. Time did not exactly deny the statements made by the commander-in-chief, only saying that he was "incorrect."
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
As Brian Stelter pointed out, it seems as if this is normal procedure, if only so the publication can get a photo shoot out of it.
Called @TIME for comment on this. FYI, this sounds like part of the normal Person of the Year production process https://t.co/HNzFW1pqzf
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 24, 2017
The mag frequently includes photo spreads and interviews with several “finalist” type people, not just the person. So this is normal... of course Time would ask him for an interview...
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 24, 2017
However, at least one previous 'Person of the Year' never sat down for an interview nor a photo shoot.
In 2015, much to Trump’s chagrin, Time named Angela Merkel the Person of the Year. Merkel didn’t grant an interview or photo shoot. This suggests, contra Trump, the title isn’t dependent on an interview/photo shoot pic.twitter.com/2X4M2Ebcnb
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 25, 2017
Regardless, several prominent Conservatives and Trump supporters came to the 45th president's defense. Sean Hannity was rather explicit in his belief or lack thereof in Time magazine's explanation.
I call total Bullshit on Time. Answer the question; did you or did you not call the WH and say @realDonaldTrump @POTUS was being considered for person of the year and ask for an interview? https://t.co/DaqfDBsr0V
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) November 25, 2017
So @Time is worse than Fake News @CNN. The coming ice age, “The Big Cool” ha. https://t.co/mppoFtFsvc
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) November 25, 2017
Waiting...... https://t.co/90GSYMVVKU
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) November 25, 2017
Others pointed out why President Trump should be 'Person of the Year' again.
If Time Magazine can find another man that's created 1 million+ jobs, $2 Trillion in stock market value and defeated ISIS in just 9 months, they should name him Man of the Year
— Jacob Wohl (@JacobAWohl) November 24, 2017
.@realDonaldTrump Kinda wish you would have agreed to do it.. now Time will justify going with Kaepernick or Manson.. (and then blame you for the backlash). https://t.co/jrcXkdk9Ai
— Eric Bolling (@ericbolling) November 24, 2017
Whatever the case, Time magazine has a sordid history with placing President Trump or an image in his likeness on their cover. The following tweet summarizes their roller coaster of a relationship quite nicely.
.@TIME covers on Aug. 22, Oct. 24 & today: pic.twitter.com/7HYLiMFKuj
— Samantha-Jo Roth (@SamanthaJoRoth) December 7, 2016