Don Lemon, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-placed source, first openly gay Black prime-time anchor Don Lemon 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 04/05/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Lemon 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 60-year-old journalist, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Lemon 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 ‘Baton Rouge Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Baton Rouge (Don Lemon'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:

“Don Lemon Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 3 May 2026

“Congrats! Don has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 3 May 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Don Lemon?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 3 May 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Don Lemon?

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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