On April 16, TIME magazine released its "The 100 Most Influential People of 2025". US President Donald Trump was featured in the "Leaders" category, standing out as one of the most polarizing figures on the list.
The magazine points out that "No other modern President has as forcefully grabbed control of the US government as Donald Trump."
The commentary described Trump's unprecedented grip on US government institutions, surpassing that of any recent American leader. After returning to the White House, Trump swiftly replaced numerous prosecutors and inspectors general who might have checked his executive power. He also significantly downsized federal agencies, terminated several international aid programs, curtailed the Department of Education's functions, and deported immigrants en masse to a notorious prison in El Salvador.
Trump has also bypassed Congress to unilaterally implement tariff policies, a move that has unsettled global markets and perplexed business leaders and voters alike. Domestically, he has pressured corporations and universities to close diversity programs, steering US culture further toward the right. Internationally, his threats to invade Greenland and halt aid to Ukraine have caused unease among US allies.
As TIME concluded, "The rest of his term will show just how much he can bend the country—and the world—before it breaks."
In addition to Trump, five other members of the US government were included in the TIME 100 list, including Vice President JD Vance, Tesla CEO and Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
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