I’m going to try to be as clear as possible. This isn’t to defend them or anything, just to explain their “value system”.
Time didn’t select the “Person of the Year” based on morally good values, but based on the zeitgeist (not the movie). Basically, they put a person, place or idea that had influence throughout the year for better or for worse.
The Protesters (of the Occupy movement) was once selected, as well as “Middle Americans” (or “The Silent Majority” … sounds familiar?). They also selected “You” as content creators for the Internet.
Just to be fair, they selected other things in other categories within that magazine, but Person of the Year is the biggest thing showcased. It was meant to get you talking as to WHY he is. Just like why Hitler was.
Also, note they did said, “President of the Divided States of America”. Trump was pretty much what everyone talked about… for better or worse.
Long story short, don’t let the selection fool you. Donald Trump was selected because he had the most buzz and was (sadly) influential in the current year. Another way to look at it… “yeah, this is why 2016 REALLY sucked.”