Donald Trump has been named Time magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’ for 2024, marking the second time he has received the prestigious title. The recognition follows his decisive victory in the U.S. presidential election, securing his return to the White House and reaffirming his profound influence on American and global affairs.
A Historic Comeback
Time’s editorial board cited Trump’s “historic comeback” as the key reason for his selection. His victory in the 2024 U.S. election, which Time describes as a “once-in-a-generation” shift, promises to reshape American politics and global economics. Trump’s calls for a more aggressive economic policy, including higher tariffs on foreign goods, signal major changes in international trade dynamics.
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Honouring The Most Influential Figure
The ‘Person of the Year’ title is awarded to the individual or group deemed to have had the most significant impact on global affairs “for good or for ill.” Trump’s impact on modern politics is undeniable. Time’s editor-in-chief, Sam Jacobs, wrote, “Since Trump first ran for president in 2015, perhaps no one else has played a greater role in changing politics and history.”
To mark the announcement, Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. The event will be attended by several members of his family, including Ivanka Trump, making it a rare public appearance for the former senior adviser.
Other Contenders
Trump was chosen over a list of high-profile candidates, including his presidential rival Kamala Harris, Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and billionaire Elon Musk. The selection echoes his first win in 2016, following his unexpected rise to the presidency that year.
The Power Of The Cover
Time’s ‘Person of the Year’ cover has long been a cultural milestone, highlighting figures who have had a profound impact on the world. While the selection is not always a president, U.S. election winners often grace the cover. Notable exceptions include Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 and the Apollo 8 astronauts in 1968. Trump’s obsession with the Time cover is well known, with replicas of a 2009 “Person of the Year” cover, which never existed, displayed in some of his golf clubs.
Trump’s first term was marked by controversy, including the chaotic early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, mass protests, and the January 6 Capitol attack. His loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election led many to believe his political career was over. However, his return to the presidency in 2024 represents a striking political resurrection. As Time’s analysis states, “If that moment was Trump’s apogee, today we are witnessing his apotheosis.”
The ‘Person of the Year’ honour has been awarded since 1927, recognising those who, for better or worse, have made a profound impact on the world. Past honorees have included activists, entrepreneurs, world leaders, and, on occasion, divisive figures. Trump’s second win places him in the company of U.S. presidents who have also received the title, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.
Trump’s latest victory underscores his enduring influence on the political stage and positions him as a central figure in the unfolding narrative of American and global politics.
