Donald Trump has once again been named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, earning the prestigious honor for the second time. The former U.S. president, who previously won in 2016 after his unexpected electoral victory, was recognized for what Time described as a “historic comeback” and a “once-in-a-generation political realignment” that has reshaped both American politics and the presidency itself.
This announcement comes on the heels of Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, a triumph that marks a significant milestone in American history. At 78, Trump will become the oldest president in U.S. history when he takes office next year. Despite being convicted earlier this year on 34 counts of fraud, he managed to secure a decisive win, turning every swing state red and winning the popular vote for the first time.
In a letter to readers, Time Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs acknowledged the magnitude of Trump’s impact. “For better or worse, Trump’s political resurgence and his reshaping of the American electorate have altered the trajectory of the nation,” Jacobs wrote. The magazine’s annual tradition, which began in 1927 as “Man of the Year,” honors the individual or movement that has had the most significant influence on global events, regardless of whether that influence is seen as positive or negative.
Trump celebrated the accolade by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, joined by members of his family and an enthusiastic crowd chanting “U-S-A.” In his remarks, he promised to deliver an economy “the likes of which nobody’s ever seen before” and pledged to implement substantial tax cuts during his second term.
A Historic Comeback
Trump’s return to the political forefront has been described by many as unprecedented. According to Time, his ability to galvanize young male voters was pivotal in his electoral success. This demographic played a crucial role in securing a landslide victory that reshaped traditional voting patterns and solidified his dominance within the Republican Party.
In an interview with the magazine earlier this year, Trump outlined his ambitious goals for a second term. Among his priorities are sweeping reforms to the U.S. immigration system, including plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. He also reaffirmed his commitment to review the convictions of his supporters who participated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, a controversial stance that has drawn both praise and criticism.
Controversy and Recognition
Trump’s selection as Time Person of the Year has reignited debates about the criteria for the award. Critics argue that his controversial policies and legal troubles make him an unfit recipient, while supporters celebrate his resilience and ability to defy political norms.
Notably, this year’s list of finalists included figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, the Princess of Wales, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump who is set to lead a new advisory board called the Department of Government Efficiency.
This isn’t the first time Trump has expressed strong opinions about Time’s selections. While he celebrated his win in 2016 as a “great honor,” he has frequently criticized the magazine for overlooking him in other years. In 2023, he notably disapproved of Taylor Swift’s recognition as Person of the Year.
Trump’s second win solidifies his influence on the global stage and underscores his enduring impact on American politics. As he prepares to take office once more, the world will watch closely to see how his presidency unfolds and how it might further shape the nation and its role on the international stage.
