Donald Trump's Potential Legal Battle with Time Magazine and the Legacy of the 'Person of the Year' Title

The 'Person of the Year' title bestowed by Time Magazine is not an award but rather a label for the central figure in news events over the previous year. However, the selection process and the individuals chosen often generate controversy and contradictions, as evidenced by past choices such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Saddam Hussein. This article delves into the likelihood, potential motivations, and the history surrounding a possible lawsuit from Donald Trump against Time Magazine for excluding him.

Understanding the Person of the Year Title

Time Magazine’s selection of 'Person of the Year' is a subjective editorial decision, based on editorial discretion rather than any formal voting process. The title has been controversial in the past, often choosing figures who are controversial, such as Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, and, more recently, Donald Trump. This year, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were named Time’s Person of the Year, leading to speculation about a potential legal challenge.

Speculations and Motivations

Donald Trump, known for his confrontational and combative attitude, is a prime candidate for challenging Time Magazine over their selection. In a hypothetical scenario, Trump could file a lawsuit, claiming that the selection process was fraudulent and rigged. However, it is also possible that he may choose to sue other organizations for similar reasons, such as the Nobel Prize committee, for not awarding him a Nobel Prize for his alleged contributions to vaccine development.

Historical Context and Previous Instances

Historically, Donald Trump has been associated with the 'Person of the Year' title three times, notably in 2006. At that time, he, along with several other notable figures, received the honor. This context might reassure others that such a claim from Trump would not be entirely unprecedented. However, it also underscores the political and personal nature of the title, which does not have a formal selection process or a transparent voting system.

Probability of a Lawsuit and Timing

Given Trump's history of pursuing legal battles, it is not entirely implausible that he might sue Time Magazine if he was not selected for the 'Person of the Year' title. However, the likelihood of such a lawsuit is uncertain, and many factors would need to align, such as the political climate, legal standing, and public support. The tensions surrounding his potential absence on January 20th, the traditional day of Inauguration, could complicate his plans, potentially delaying or interfering with any legal action.

Consequences and Implications

The implications of such a lawsuit would be significant. On one hand, winning the lawsuit might boost Trump's reputation among his supporters. On the other hand, losing the lawsuit could further tarnish his professional image. Additionally, Trump's campaign to appear legitimate would continue, with him maintaining his accreditation by having the real Time magazine covers at his golf courses, or attempting to get a fake cover validated. Given his history of false claims and public appearances, the likelihood of his suing Time Magazine cannot be entirely dismissed.

Conclusion

While there is no guarantee that Donald Trump will sue Time Magazine over the 'Person of the Year' title, the potential motivations and historical context suggest that it is not an implausible scenario. The legal battle, if it happens, would likely be a high-profile event, drawing significant media attention and highlighting the controversies surrounding the title.