Donald Trump has been named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2024, marking the second time he has received this distinction. Time’s Editor-in-Chief, Sam Jacobs, said that Trump was chosen because “for better or for worse, [he] had the most influence on the news in 2024.”
“This is someone who made a historic comeback, who reshaped the American presidency, and who’s reordering American politics,” Jacobs added.
Jacobs also acknowledged that while “there’s always a hot debate” surrounding Time’s annual choice, the decision for 2024 was clear given Trump’s victory on Election Day. “It’s hard to argue with the fact that the person who’s moving into the Oval Office is the most influential person in news,” he added.
Trump’s selection was announced following a high-profile photo shoot at Mar-a-Lago, where he posed with an American flag, proclaiming, “We are gonna fix it.” The shoot, accompanied by a playlist featuring songs like “My Way” and “Nothing Compares 2 U,” highlighted the carefully curated image of defiance and self-determination that Trump has long cultivated. This recognition places him among a rare group of two-time recipients, including former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Trump’s first Person of the Year accolade came in 2016, following his initial presidential victory.
Time’s editorial board cited Trump’s “comeback of historic proportions” and his role in reshaping the American presidency as key reasons for their decision. They highlighted his ability to drive a political realignment and navigate a global trend against incumbents, particularly through his appeals to disaffected voters frustrated by economic pressures and cultural shifts. Notably, the magazine acknowledged his expanded support among Black and Latino voters, groups that have historically leaned Democratic.
The announcement followed Trump’s symbolic ringing of the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, making him the first president since Ronald Reagan to perform the ceremony. He emerged as Time’s choice from a shortlist that included Vice President Kamala Harris, Princess Catherine of Wales, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The selection was accompanied by an in-depth interview in which Trump outlined his plans for a second term, including using military forces for mass deportations and proposing pardons for those convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. Trump also addressed foreign policy, suggesting that U.S. support for Ukraine should be leveraged to end the ongoing war.
Despite the accolades, the decision has been met with fierce criticism. Opponents have pointed to Trump’s history of incendiary rhetoric and controversial policies. During his first presidential campaign, he infamously called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,” a proposal widely condemned as Islamophobic. His tenure was marked by divisive actions, such as separating migrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border and undermining democratic norms through unsubstantiated claims of election fraud.
Conversely, supporters have celebrated the recognition as validation of Trump’s enduring influence and political resilience. They argue that his policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, reinvigorated the economy and that his outsider persona resonates with millions of Americans. Time’s acknowledgment of these dynamics spotlights the complexity of Trump’s legacy as both a unifier for his base and a polarizing figure on the global stage.
Time’s tradition of selecting a Person of the Year, established in 1927, aims to recognize individuals or movements that significantly shape world events, for better or worse. Past recipients range from climate activist Greta Thunberg to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump’s inclusion for a second time cements his place in this storied history while reigniting debates about the criteria for such recognition.
Ultimately, the 2024 Person of the Year announcement reflects Trump’s undeniable impact and the enduring divisions within American society. As the world watches his preparations for a second term, the implications of his leadership—both celebrated and condemned—remain as consequential as ever.
