Former President Donald Trump and five of his administration officials have been recognized in Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2025” list, highlighting their continued impact on American politics and policy even after leaving office.
At a Glance
- Donald Trump has been named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 list alongside five officials from his administration
- Time magazine noted Trump has exerted control over the U.S. government “more forcefully than any other modern President”
- Trump’s influence extended to firing prosecutors and inspectors general who could check his power
- His administration significantly reduced the Department of Education’s scope and stripped away global aid programs
- ABC News anchor David Muir was also recognized on the prestigious list for his frontline global reporting
Trump’s Unprecedented Influence
According to Time magazine, former President Donald Trump has wielded control over the United States government “more forcefully than any other modern President.” The prestigious publication’s recognition of Trump and five administration officials in its annual list underscores their sustained influence on American policy and global affairs.
During his term, Trump made decisions that dramatically reshaped federal agencies and their functions, firing prosecutors and inspectors general who might have served as checks on presidential authority. His administration saw thousands of federal workers dismissed, reflecting his campaign promise to drain what he termed “the swamp” in Washington.
Trump’s impact extended well beyond personnel changes. His administration significantly reduced the scope of the Department of Education and stripped away numerous global aid programs. Using executive powers aggressively, he bypassed Congress to make tariff announcements that sent ripples through the global economy.
These actions reflected his “America First” approach to governance, which prioritized domestic concerns over international cooperation and established norms of presidential behavior. Time magazine suggests that the remainder of Trump’s influence will continue to test the limits of his impact on both America and the world.
Who’s attending Trump’s Inauguration: https://t.co/2YwY9mCN2Y
— TIME (@TIME) January 20, 2025
Policy Shifts and Cultural Impact
The former president’s influence extended into cultural spheres as well. According to Time, Trump pressured companies and universities to shut down diversity programs as part of a broader effort to shift American culture rightward. His administration utilized wartime powers to deport Venezuelan men to a prison in El Salvador, reflecting his hardline stance on immigration enforcement.
These policy shifts represent significant departures from previous administrations and showcase Trump’s willingness to leverage presidential power in unprecedented ways to achieve his policy goals.
On the international stage, Trump’s unconventional approach to diplomacy created tension with traditional U.S. allies. Time reports that he threatened allies with actions such as invading Greenland and ending support for Ukraine, moves that would have dramatically reshaped America’s global partnerships.
These threats, whether implemented or not, changed the calculus of international relations and forced foreign leaders to reconsider long-standing assumptions about American foreign policy commitments. The magazine’s recognition of Trump and his officials acknowledges this lasting impact on global affairs.
Media Representation in the Time 100
Also notable on the Time 100 list is ABC News anchor David Muir, recognized for his extensive frontline reporting from locations including Ukraine, Iran, Israel, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Madagascar, Normandy, and Auschwitz. Muir’s influential work includes his reporting on climate change-driven famine in Madagascar and flooding in South Sudan, which raised $9 million for the World Food Programme.
His journalistic accomplishments have garnered multiple Emmy awards, a George Polk Award, and the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award, cementing his place among America’s most trusted news figures.
Muir has conducted high-profile political interviews with Presidents Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden, and co-moderated a presidential debate between Trump and Kamala Harris.
His “World News Tonight” program currently stands as the most-watched newscast in America, having won multiple industry awards including News & Documentary Emmys and RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards. In her Time 100 tribute, veteran journalist Diane Sawyer praised Muir for his “calm, respectful, and fearless demeanor,” comparing him to the legendary Peter Jennings.
