Time magazine has officially named President-elect Donald Trump as its Person of the Year for 2024, marking his second recognition, the first having come in 2016. The announcement was made on Thursday, with Trump being celebrated for his significant impact on the political landscape of the United States and the world.
This prestigious title is given to individuals or groups who have had the most significant influence on global events over the past year, whether for better or for worse. In 2023, the title was awarded to pop icon Taylor Swift, but Trump’s comeback and continued influence in politics have made him the clear choice for this year’s honor.
Time magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Sam Jacobs, highlighted Trump’s role in reshaping American politics, noting that his political comeback and the realignment of the political spectrum in the U.S. were historic in nature. Jacobs explained that Trump’s influence in reshaping the American presidency and altering the country’s role on the global stage played a critical role in his selection. “For marshalling 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,” said Jacobs.
The title of Person of the Year has been given to several U.S. presidents-elect in the past, but it is not guaranteed. In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II was chosen over President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower, and in 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts, who made history as the first humans to orbit the moon, were selected instead of President-elect Richard Nixon.
Trump, who has made several appearances on Time’s cover over the years—sometimes in unflattering portrayals—has previously referred to the Person of the Year title as his “holy grail.” His public displeasure was evident in 2015 when German Chancellor Angela Merkel was selected, and he voiced his discontent in public forums. However, his eventual selection in 2016 was met with pride, as he stated during an NBC Today show appearance, “It was a great honor.”
As President-elect for 2024, Donald Trump’s selection as Time’s Person of the Year signifies the extraordinary impact he continues to have on both American politics and the international stage. His leadership, controversies, and influence have left a lasting mark on the political landscape of the United States, earning him this prestigious recognition for the second time.
Sources By Agencies
