Social media users slammed TIME for naming five Trump administration officials to its top 100 influential people list. Source: MEGA
TIME Magazine just released its annual list of the 100 most influential people, but not everyone’s impressed.
Critics are blasting the magazine for “pandering” to celebrities featured in the list, including President Donald Trump.
TIME’s 100 list named Donald Trump (78) as one of the world’s most influential people. Alongside him, stars like Ed Sheeran, Scarlett Johansson, Rashida Jones, Demi Moore, and Jalen Hurts made the list.
Some selections, like Gisèle Pelicot, earned praise for her courageous testimony in a sexual assault case, while others sparked anger. Pelicot’s bravery fueled a movement for survivors.
Meanwhile, names like Elon Musk, J.D. Vance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Trump drew sharp criticism. Critics called these choices “tone-deaf” and “puzzling.”
The key figures in Trump’s administration have sparked controversy long before he took office.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced backlash for his anti-vaccine stance, a sexting scandal, and allegations of sexual abuse from his former nanny.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk has deepened political divides. His DOGE agency slashed federal jobs, leaving thousands of employees and veterans unemployed. All this happened while SpaceX reaped billions in federal funding.
Musk’s role in the Trump administration, where he served as an unelected official, has raised concerns. Critics argue his influence hints at a growing oligarchy in the U.S.
A source slammed TIME, saying: “TIME is out of touch. This is just pandering to celebrities it wants on the cover.”
“They may be influential, but that doesn’t mean they’re good at what they do. They’re using Trump to sell magazines. It’s hypocritical, and they’ll lose subscribers.”
Critics on social media agreed, blasting this year’s TIME 100 issue.
One user wrote: “Trump, Musk, Vance, and Lively as the most influential? Are you serious? This list looks like it was made with Trump’s agenda.”
Another added: “TIME is adding all of Trump’s buddies to avoid his wrath.”
A third user commented: “Trump shouldn’t be on that list. He’s acting like a dictator.”
A fourth simply said: “This ‘Leaders’ list is disgraceful.”
Some readers wondered if TIME’s list was a “parody,” with others calling the magazine a “joke.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has made it onto TIME’s iconic list. He’s been named one of the world’s most influential people seven times, for better or worse.
Trump’s inclusion this year came after a nomination from TIME senior correspondent Brian Bennett. Bennett said, “No other modern president has so forcefully seized control of the US government.”
