Former President honored for historic political comeback and reshaping the American political landscape.
Time Magazine has selected Donald Trump as its 2024 Person of the Year, marking the second time the former president has received this prestigious recognition.
“For orchestrating a historic comeback, driving a rare political realignment, and reshaping both the presidency and America’s role on the global stage, Donald Trump is TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year,” wrote Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs in a letter to readers.
The Republican president-elect is scheduled to celebrate this honor by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, joined by several members of his family.
Trump first earned this accolade in 2016, following his victory in the U.S. presidential election. Since its inception in 1927, Time Magazine’s annual distinction—originally titled “Man of the Year”—has recognized individuals or movements that have significantly influenced the world, for better or worse. Past recipients include activist Greta Thunberg, former President Barack Obama, Pope Francis, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
A Historic Win Amid Controversy
The 2024 award follows Trump’s dramatic political resurgence, securing his second term in a stunning electoral comeback. In their profile of the honoree, Time noted that Trump’s victory represented a seismic shift in the U.S. political landscape. The 78-year-old became the oldest president in American history and the first to win the popular vote after previously losing it. He also flipped every swing state red, energized by a surge of support from younger male voters.
However, the victory was not without controversy. Earlier this year, Trump was convicted in New York of 34 counts of fraud, making him the first convicted felon to win the presidency.
Trump’s plans for his second term include sweeping reforms to the U.S. immigration system, with proposals to deport millions of undocumented individuals. These were key topics of discussion during interviews with Time earlier this year.
A Tradition of Influential Figures
Time’s editors had considered several high-profile contenders for the 2024 Person of the Year title, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and the Princess of Wales. Musk, now a close ally of Trump, is set to chair a new advisory board dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency.
This year’s decision echoes the tradition of recognizing individuals who shape the world, whether through achievement or controversy. Trump’s previous selection in 2016 came with his election victory, which he called a “great honor.”
While Trump has praised the magazine’s acknowledgment of his influence in the past, he has also criticized its choices, including this year’s selection of Taylor Swift as another Person of the Year honoree.
With his unprecedented 2024 win, Trump’s influence on American politics remains as polarizing as ever—cementing his place in history once again.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved