Time magazine has named President-elect Donald Trump as its 2024 Person of the Year, recognizing his unprecedented political comeback after becoming only the second U.S. president in history to serve non-consecutive terms. The announcement marks Trump’s second time receiving the title, having first been named in 2016 following his surprising victory over Hillary Clinton.
Trump’s Unparalleled Political Rebirth
Describing his resurgence as “72 Days of Fury,” Trump’s journey to reclaim the presidency was marked by a series of extraordinary events. Time magazine cited his ability to consolidate political power, overcome legal challenges, and unite a fractured Republican Party as key factors in its selection. Trump’s triumph in the 2024 election follows his loss in 2020 to Joe Biden, making him the first president since Grover Cleveland in the late 1800s to secure non-consecutive terms.
“This is an honor, a tremendous honor,” Trump said during the announcement. “Getting this recognition for the second time feels even more significant. We did a good job, and this comeback proves it.”
A Controversial and Historic Campaign
Time’s profile on Trump highlights his 2024 campaign, which was one of the most contentious and dramatic in modern U.S. history. Key moments included:
- Legal Battles: Trump faced multiple legal challenges, including a conviction in a New York courtroom in May. Despite these hurdles, he maintained a commanding presence on the campaign trail.
- Surviving Assassination Attempts: Trump endured two assassination attempts during the campaign, further solidifying his image as a resilient leader among his supporters.
- Building Strategic Alliances: Trump garnered crucial support from prominent figures such as Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which bolstered his political momentum.
- Party Consolidation: Trump managed to unify the GOP after emerging victorious in a crowded primary field.
Ringing the Bell at the NYSE
To celebrate the honor, Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in Manhattan, a symbolic gesture marking his return to power. He was accompanied by his wife, former First Lady Melania Trump, daughters Tiffany and Ivanka, and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance.
This event marked the first time Trump, a real estate mogul-turned-politician, performed the iconic bell-ringing ceremony.
Trump’s Plans for His Presidency
In his interview with Time, Trump outlined several priorities for his upcoming administration. Among the most controversial proposals are his plans to use military resources for mass deportations and issue pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack within the first hour of his presidency. However, he ruled out reintroducing family separation policies.
The president-elect also reflected on his decision to withdraw former Congressman Matt Gaetz from consideration as attorney general, saying, “I didn’t think the fight was worth it.”
Legacy of Time’s Person of the Year
Time magazine’s Person of the Year title is not necessarily an honor but a recognition of influence. The magazine has awarded the title since 1927, with figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama previously receiving the accolade. Trump joins a select group of presidents who have received the title multiple times, further cementing his place in political history.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s political rebirth and his promises of bold, if controversial, reforms signal an administration that will push boundaries. As he prepares to take office, the focus will be on how he navigates domestic and global challenges while addressing the sources of discontent that helped fuel his return to power.
With additional pardons and policy announcements expected before his January inauguration, Trump’s next term promises to be as unpredictable as his road back to the White House.
