Time magazine has announced that Donald Trump has been named its Person of the Year, marking a significant moment in U.S. political history. This recognition comes after Trump made an extraordinary return to the White House, becoming only the second U.S. president to lose an election and then regain office four years later.
In its announcement, Time characterized Trump’s political comeback as “unparalleled in American history.” Trump himself referred to this period as “72 Days of Fury” when speaking to the magazine. The decision to award him this title follows a competitive selection process that included prominent figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, billionaire Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
As part of the celebration, Trump is scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, marking a notable first for him in this role. Previously, Trump was also recognized as Time’s Person of the Year in 2016 after his shocking victory over Hillary Clinton.
The magazine highlighted the challenges Trump faced during his 2024 campaign, which included legal setbacks and threats to his safety, while also noting his ability to consolidate support from influential figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk. Time emphasized the political capital Trump amassed during the election and questioned how he intends to leverage it moving forward. Trump indicated that he plans to take bold actions in office, including potential pardons for those involved in the January 6 Capitol events.
Time magazine has a long history of naming its Person of the Year, originally starting this tradition in 1927. The title is intended to reflect influence rather than serve as an honor, highlighting the impact an individual has had over the course of the year, regardless of whether that impact is perceived positively or negatively.
This recognition of Trump as Person of the Year illustrates the evolving landscape of American politics, indicating a continued engagement from the public and a moment of reflection on the political shifts that have taken place over the past few years.
Overall, this announcement should remind us all of the dynamic nature of democracy and the power individuals can wield in shaping national discourse and policy.