Arianna Huffington, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Huffington Post founder among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a well-placed source, Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the journalist's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 12/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Huffington for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 75-year-old journalist, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Huffington so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the journalist have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Athens Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Athens (Arianna Huffington's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the journalist was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Arianna Huffington Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 11 Jan 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveArianna”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 11 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Arianna Huffington?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 11 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Arianna Huffington?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Arianna Huffington: Recent News

 

page served in 0.046s (1,2)