Time Magazine has named Donald Trump its Person of the Year for 2024, marking the second time the US President-Elect has received the honour.
He was first recognised in 2016 following his initial presidential election victory.
In a letter to readers, Time Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs credited Trump for “marshalling a comeback of historic proportions” and “driving a once-in-a-generation political realignment.”
Trump’s return to the presidency in 2024, after a controversial four years out of office, was described as reshaping the American presidency and altering the nation’s global role.
The announcement was accompanied by a celebration at the New York Stock Exchange, where Trump rang the opening bell alongside members of his family amidst chants of “U-S-A.”
Trump, who granted interviews to Time earlier this year, reiterated some of his plans for his second term, including reviewing the convictions of his supporters involved in the January 6 Capitol riots and implementing substantial tax cuts. He also promised an economic boom, stating, “an economy the likes of which nobody’s ever seen before.”
Time Magazine’s annual Person of the Year tradition, which began in 1927, recognises individuals or movements that have significantly influenced the year’s events, whether positively or negatively. Other contenders for the 2024 title included Vice-President Kamala Harris, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and the Princess of Wales.
Time noted Trump’s victory in the 2024 election as a “stunning political comeback,” highlighting his ability to reshape the American electorate.
The publication also described his history-making return, as he becomes the oldest US president and the first convicted felon elected to the office. Earlier this year, a New York jury convicted Trump of 34 counts of fraud.
Reflecting on his recognition, Trump called it a great honour, echoing sentiments from 2016 when he first received the accolade.
However, he has been vocal about the magazine’s other choices, including his criticism of Taylor Swift’s selection in 2023.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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