Donald Trump has been named Time Magazine's Person of the Year for the second time, a title he previously held following his victorious presidential election in 2016. Time's Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs praised Trump for "marshalling a comeback of historic proportions" and affecting a major political realignment that has changed the landscape of American governance and its international standing.
In a celebratory event at the New York Stock Exchange, attended by family members and supporters chanting "U-S-A," Trump rang the opening bell. In an exclusive interview with Time, Trump shared his ambitions for his impending second term, which includes a detailed review of the convictions of his supporters involved in the January 2021 Capitol riots and his promise for "an economy the likes of which nobody's ever seen before," alongside significant tax cuts.
Established in 1927, Time’s tradition of recognizing influential figures has seen notable winners including climate activist Greta Thunberg, former President Barack Obama, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The magazine’s editorial team had deliberated between ten candidates for this year’s recognition, which notably included individuals such as Vice-President Kamala Harris and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
In describing Trump, Time highlighted his surprising political resurgence in winning the 2024 election, noting the activation of young male voters and his unprecedented victory in swing states—demarcating him as the oldest President elected in U.S. history, despite facing legal challenges.
Throughout his campaign, which involved interviews with the magazine earlier this year, Trump unveiled aspirations for a reformed immigration system and the deportation of millions of undocumented individuals. Having previously expressed disappointment over not being recognized during his initial candidacy, he now regards this honor as particularly meaningful, reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the publication. Nevertheless, he continues to voice his critique of Time's past selections, including their choice of Taylor Swift as Person of the Year for 2023.
