Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has gone viral for an impassioned and theatrical rant on TikTok Live, denouncing Donald Trump’s selection as TIME Magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year. Lemon’s tirade, peppered with inaccuracies and over-the-top indignation, is emblematic of the backlash from some on the left over the controversial choice.
TIME’s Person of the Year is traditionally awarded to the individual or entity deemed most influential over the past year, for better or worse. Trump’s selection has drawn both praise and criticism, with supporters citing his undeniable impact on American politics and detractors highlighting his contentious past. Lemon’s emotional response has now become a lightning rod in this debate.
Kicking off his rant, Lemon questioned the very premise of Trump’s recognition, saying, “If they wanted to make someone Person of the Year, they would have made someone who… I don’t know, any person!” His inability to propose an alternative, whether Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, or another public figure, left viewers questioning the substance of his critique.
He then launched into a critique of TIME’s selection criteria, appearing unaware that the title is based on influence, not moral standing. “What? TIME Magazine, what are you doing?” Lemon exclaimed. He further asked, “What do you say to the women who I guess still read TIME magazine?” This line not only insulted the magazine’s readership but also implied that women are unable to discern Trump’s influence from his controversies.
Lemon’s rant soon turned into a laundry list of accusations against Trump, including references to legal battles and Trump’s controversial tenure. He claimed, “You have someone on the cover of your magazine who is an adjudicated assaulter,” referencing the case brought by E. Jean Carroll. Lemon gave credence to allegations many Trump supporters have dismissed as politically motivated.
“You have someone who inspired an insurrection,” Lemon continued, parroting a frequent critique from Trump’s opponents. He also accused Trump of attempting to “overturn a free and fair election,” citing Trump’s ongoing challenges to the 2020 election results.
The former CNN anchor escalated his rhetoric by referencing Trump’s legal troubles, saying, “You had someone who had multiple criminal counts and was found guilty on multiple criminal counts.” Lemon appeared to ignore the criticisms from bipartisan legal experts who have questioned the validity and motivations behind some of the charges against Trump.
🚨 “Time Magazine?! What are you DOING?!
Don Lemon throws a temper-tantrum over Trump being selected as “Person of the Year.” pic.twitter.com/ox5P2W0eTw
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) December 12, 2024
Despite the outrage, TIME’s Person of the Year title has never been an endorsement of character or virtue. Past honorees include Adolf Hitler (1938) and Joseph Stalin (1939 and 1942), highlighting the recognition of influence rather than approval. Trump’s selection is consistent with this tradition, as his enduring impact on American politics—whether through his presidency, ongoing influence in the Republican Party, or legal battles—has remained a dominant narrative in 2024.
Critics like Lemon, however, focus on the controversies surrounding Trump, from legal accusations to his polarizing political strategies. For many, these issues disqualify him from such recognition, even if his influence is undeniable.
Lemon’s rant gained traction not just for its content but also for its delivery. The low production value of his TikTok Live session became a topic of humor online. At one point, he asked, “Are we sure about this? Producers, there is a convicted felon on the cover of TIME magazine!” Observers noted the irony of someone broadcasting on a casual platform like TikTok referencing “producers,” leading to speculation about whether Lemon was being intentionally self-deprecating or genuinely flustered.
Lemon’s reaction reflects a larger trend of polarized responses to Trump’s every move. Supporters of the former president view such outbursts as evidence of Trump’s continued ability to disrupt and dominate public discourse. His detractors see them as a necessary counterbalance to what they perceive as dangerous normalization of his behavior.
Regardless of where one stands, the backlash to Trump’s selection underscores the deep divisions in American society. TIME’s choice, as always, has achieved its goal of sparking debate and ensuring relevance in a crowded media landscape.
Don Lemon’s fiery rant over Trump’s Person of the Year title may have resonated with his core audience, but it also revealed the challenges of mounting a coherent critique when emotions run high. Trump’s selection has reignited discussions about influence, morality, and media responsibility. Whether viewed as a deserved honor or a polarizing misstep, the title cements Trump’s role as one of the most impactful figures of the year—precisely the point of TIME’s annual selection.
Don “stink finger” Lemon still hasn’t learned to keep his mouth shut.
We’re really sick of listening to him and his Leftist ilk.
Butt pounder lemon isn’t important as he thinks he is, he’s a nut sack sniffer who can’t realize the world don’t evolve around him.!
Nobody cares what that bun splitter thinks, Elon should strap him to one of his rockets and send his worn out ass to Mars.
and he wonders why he was let go from his previous job.
Why do they hire nothing but FAGS on
CNN MSNBC CBS ABC NBC !?
Absolutely no MORALS on these OUTLETS!!
Does this dolt really think anyone cares what he thinks. He’s a loser.