Time Magazine has named U.S. President-elect Donald Trump its 2024 Person of the Year, recognizing his remarkable political resurgence.
This marks Trump’s second time receiving the accolade; he was first honored in 2016 after his surprise victory over Hillary Clinton.
Trump appears on the cover wearing his signature red tie and striking a contemplative pose. Time cited his influence and achievements, saying:
“For marshaling a comeback of historic proportions, for driving a once-in-a-generation political realignment, for reshaping the American presidency and altering America’s role in the world, Donald Trump is Time’s 2024 – Person of the Year.”
Trump’s year was marked by dramatic events, including convictions for business fraud and surviving two assassination attempts. Despite these challenges, he secured a commanding victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election and is preparing to return to the White House in January, with Republicans controlling both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Time explained the significance of Trump’s influence:
“We are witnessing a resurgence of populism, a widening mistrust in the institutions that defined the last century, and an eroding faith that liberal values will lead to better lives for most people. Trump is both agent and beneficiary of it all.”
The Person of the Year award honors the most influential figure of the year. Previous winners include Taylor Swift, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Kamala Harris.
Trump’s Impact:
Trump’s influence dominated 2024 and is expected to continue as he resumes the presidency. He has pledged strict immigration policies, including mass deportations, and significant tariffs that could disrupt both the U.S. and global economies. He has also cast doubt on U.S. support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
Already acting as a “shadow president,” Trump has hosted foreign leaders at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, signaling his role on the global stage. His return to power was considered unthinkable just a few years ago, following the January 6 Capitol riots and criminal and civil cases that cast a shadow over his reputation.
However, none of these controversies stopped him from reclaiming the Republican nomination and ultimately defeating Harris in the general election.
Other contenders for the Person of the Year title included Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian economist Yulia Navalnaya, widow of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
