Cenk Uygur, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a credible source, founder of The Young Turks Cenk Uygur 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 21/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Uygur 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 56-year-old journalist, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Uygur so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he 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 ‘Istanbul Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Istanbul (Cenk Uygur'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:

“Cenk Uygur Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 20 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Cenk has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 20 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Cenk Uygur?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 20 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Cenk Uygur?

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?

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