Donald Trump has been named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2024, marking the second time he has received the title.
The announcement, made Thursday, December 12, 2024, on X (formerly Twitter), recognises Trump’s influence on global affairs during a year that saw his unexpected political resurgence and return to the White House.
The title is awarded annually to the individual or group deemed to have had the most significant impact on global events, “for good or for ill.”
TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs explains why Donald Trump was chosen as the 2024 Person of the Year https://t.co/rhQ315SLSv
— TIME (@TIME) December 12, 2024
Trump first received the recognition in 2016 following his unexpected rise to the presidency.
This year’s selection celebrates his political comeback, which Time said has the potential to reshape modern American politics.
A Cultural Touchstone
Time magazine’s Person of the Year remains a symbolic title that resonates beyond its dwindling print circulation.
The selection caps a momentous year for Trump, who will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday to commemorate the unveiling of his cover, according to sources.
Despite his fraught relationship with the media, Trump granted Time an extensive interview last month, reflecting his complicated relationship with the magazine.
He has long sought mainstream recognition, often critiquing Time for its past selections, including when the magazine honoured then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2015 or Vice President Kamala Harris in 2020.
In a 2015 post, Trump predicted Time would “never pick me as Person of the Year despite being the big favourite.”
The following year, after receiving the title, he called it “a great honour” but continued to closely follow the magazine’s annual decisions.
Historical Context
Time’s Person of the Year has historically included a diverse array of figures, from heads of state and activists to business magnates and, at times, controversial leaders.
Every U.S. president since Franklin D. Roosevelt, except Gerald Ford, has received the distinction at least once.
President-elect Trump’s recognition follows the selection of Biden and Harris as co-honorees in 2020 after their electoral victory over him.
An Event with Family in Attendance
Members of Trump’s family are expected to attend Thursday’s event, including his daughter Ivanka Trump, a senior adviser during his first term.
Her public appearance at the ceremony will be a rare one, as she has largely stayed out of the political spotlight during Trump’s resurgence.
Symbol of Influence
The coveted title underscores Trump’s enduring ability to dominate global headlines and political discourse.
Whether viewed as a commendation or a critique, the recognition cements his role as one of the most influential—and polarising—figures in modern American history.
As Trump prepares for his second term, the spotlight on his political influence and global impact is unlikely to wane, with Time’s selection serving as a reflection of his pivotal role in shaping the year’s events.
