In a historic acknowledgment, President-elect Donald Trump has been named Time’s 2024 Person of the Year, a title that reflects his significant impact on the American political landscape. This announcement, made exclusively on TODAY on December 12, highlights Trump’s remarkable political resurgence, which Time described as “unparalleled in American history.”
Trump, who also received this honor in 2016 following his initial presidential victory, was selected from a shortlist of ten influential figures, eventually narrowing down to five candidates. Time’s Editor-in-Chief, Sam Jacobs, praised Trump as “the most influential person in the news,” noting his transformative role in reshaping the presidency and influencing American politics.
This prestigious recognition has been awarded annually since 1927, honoring various figures from different sectors, including politics, arts, and culture. Noteworthy among past recipients, only a select few U.S. presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Barack Obama, have been honored multiple times.
In a stunning comeback, Trump, at age 78, reclaimed the presidency against Vice President Kamala Harris, marking the first time since Grover Cleveland that a former president has returned to office after an electoral defeat. His political journey continued amidst ongoing criminal investigations and concluded with a Republican surge, regaining control in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Reflecting on his campaign, Trump expressed confidence, referencing a period he called “72 Days of Fury” to illustrate the nation’s unrest and his mobilization of voter sentiment. Promising to take decisive actions, including pardoning convicted January 6 rioters and tackling immigration policies, he painted a picture of an assertive administration poised to act swiftly.
Trump’s upcoming administration plans are vast, covering a wide array of issues from immigration to foreign relations. His insights shared with Time unveil his perspectives on a range of crucial topics, confirming his readiness to jump into action immediately after taking office.
Time’s Person of the Year issue is currently online and will be available in print from December 20, showcasing the story behind this remarkable recognition.
This recognition of Trump’s influence serves as a reminder that political landscapes can shift dramatically, often in surprising directions, fostering a dialogue around the future of American politics and leadership.