'TIME' Claps Back at Donald Trump Over "Person of the Year" Claims

On Friday, Donald Trump claimed that TIME magazine reached out to him to let him know that he would “probably” be their “Person of the Year.” Trump also claimed that the publication said that he would have to take part in an interview and photo shoot in order to be given the honors. Trump, however, says he took a pass because he is not satisfied with a “probably.” He took to Twitter to share his side of the story.

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

Hours after, TIME sent out their own tweet refuting Trump’s claims, saying that he is incorrect regarding their procedure for handing out the title. Also, it is not necessary for the selected to take part in a photo shoot or an interview. In 2015, the magazine selected German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was neither interviewed nor photographed for the issue. She was represented on the cover by a painting.

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

Trump has been covered on the magazine 14 times, most of which have come out after he has announced his run for president.