Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed to have been named “Man of the Year” in Michigan during his presidential campaigns, even before entering politics. However, media investigations, including by CNN, have consistently found no evidence of such an award existing in the state. Despite these debunkings, Trump continued to promote the story, recently asserting that the press initially doubted him but eventually confirmed the award’s legitimacy.
This claim is another instance of fabricated history appearing in Trump’s speeches. For nearly a decade, no proof of this alleged “Man of the Year” award has surfaced. Michigan does not issue such a designation, Trump has no ties to the state that would warrant it, and his campaign has never provided specifics about who or what entity bestowed this honor.
In 2023, a Michigan Republican group presented Trump with a “Man of the Decade” award after years of his “Man of the Year” claims being disproven. However, Trump’s recent remarks indicate he was referring to an earlier, distinct honor. His retellings of the story have also varied regarding the timeframe, sometimes placing it in the 2010s and other times suggesting the 2000s.
A former Michigan Republican congressman, Dave Trott, proposed a theory regarding the origin of Trump’s fabricated story. Trott recalled an event in 2013 where Trump spoke at an Oakland County Republican dinner to which Trott had invited him. While Trott presented Trump with gifts, including a framed copy of the Gettysburg Address, he emphasized that no “Man of the Year” award was given.
On at least one occasion, Trump himself expressed bewilderment about the supposed honor. In 2019, he stated at a New Hampshire rally that he was named “Man of the Year in Michigan” for reasons he didn’t understand, even prior to considering a political run. He then reiterated the claim.
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