Trump Opponents Lead Early Predictions for Time’s ‘Person of the Year’

<figure><img alt="Trump" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/5NYZVEAIGZAIREKPI3OWY3YNXI.JPG?auth=4c47a4d7d305988ea106ad1ab4553329406bc13b296904ec504939194744569d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=3375" /><figcaption>Evan Vucci / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Prediction markets indicate that New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Pope Leo are leading candidates for TIME magazine’s “Person of the Year.” Mamdani is listed with a 36 percent chance on both Polymarket and Kalshi, while Pope Leo follows with 19 percent and 22 percent chances, respectively.</p><img alt="President Donald Trump was the early favorite to be Time’s 2026 Person of the Year, but his odds have since dwindled. / Kalshi" height="1246" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/YCNCUBSAKZCKDJBM4SWYGGPBAA.png?auth=c5aed8330ad2e9caff7bee2b9b09ed8504d7045b9a3f12c4f98e648c115e4a46&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1800&amp;height=1246" width="1800" /><p>Former President Donald Trump was initially favored to be TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year on Kalshi, but his odds have decreased to 13 percent, placing him third. Elon Musk is at 12 percent, while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has an 8 percent chance.</p><p>TIME typically announces its Person of the Year in early to mid-December. In 2024, Trump was awarded the title, which was leaked a day early, causing disruption for the magazine. Last year, TIME recognized the Architects of AI as its Person of the Year.</p><img alt="Donald Trump spoke at a reception after being named Time’s “Person of the Year” in 2024. / Spencer Platt / Getty Images" height="683" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/RZ4FANXQPZCLZO6WJB22O2GVEM.jpg?auth=4b96d21e403363639813bedf7bc9b875fd8a44174e4f73bd35cab1c6b57abf09&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1024&amp;height=683" width="1024" /><p>The magazine employs various methods to maintain secrecy regarding its Person of the Year selection, often keeping staff uninformed until the announcement. Those with knowledge of the finalists use coded language to prevent leaks.</p><p>This year, bettors on prediction markets are wagering that TIME will honor individuals who have opposed Trump amid significant public discontent regarding his policies, including his approach to the war with Iran and immigration.</p><img alt="New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has met with President Donald Trump twice since being elected. / Zohran Mamdani/X" height="1488" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/KFDRN3FAFNFQTOV4DHNYJ2DA2Q.jpg?auth=e3627f72b411ac4f983d8a23f59eb29062df2123cb4da5cdfa13e32752f89548&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1206&amp;height=1488" width="1206" /><p>Mamdani, 34, has interacted with Trump differently than many Democrats, attempting to build rapport during two Oval Office meetings while also criticizing him, labeling Trump a fascist.</p><p>Trump, 80, has responded critically to Mamdani, using terms such as “communist lunatic” and “total nutjob.”</p><p>Relations have also been tense between Trump and Pope Leo, 70, who has criticized Trump’s immigration policies and his military actions in Iran, stating that they are unjustified and harmful to civilians.</p><p>While Leo often refrains from naming Trump directly, he has called out the former president following specific threats made against Iran, stating, “Today, as we all know, there was this threat against the entire people of Iran. And this is truly unacceptable.”</p><p>Despite backlash from Trump supporters, Leo has maintained his stance, asserting, “I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel.”</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-foes-zohran-mamdani-and-pope-leo-top-early-list-to-be-times-person-of-the-year/">Read more at The Daily Beast.</a></p>