(Scypre.com) – In a momentous announcement, Time Magazine has declared President-elect Donald Trump as its 2024 Person of the Year, marking the second time Trump has received this honor—the first being in 2016. Time’s Editor-in-Chief, Sam Jacobs, emphasized that the choice was straightforward, citing Trump’s significant influence on politics and history since launching his first presidential campaign in 2015. Jacobs remarked, “On the cusp of his second presidency, all of us—from his most fanatical supporters to his most fervent critics—are living in the Age of Trump.”
President-elect Donald Trump is named Time's "Person of the Year" for the second time. https://t.co/4Liqnzqci6
— CNN (@CNN) December 12, 2024
Photograph by Platon for TIME pic.twitter.com/2veB8jwXgQ
The announcement coincided with a high-profile event at the New York Stock Exchange, where Trump, joined by his wife Melania Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, rang the opening bell. NYSE Chairman Jeffrey Sprecher introduced Trump, praising the recent stock market gains since Election Day. Sprecher noted, “Many people in this building love this man as a result,” reflecting the enthusiasm among financial leaders.
Trump, accompanied by several Cabinet nominees, expressed gratitude for the honor and used the occasion to outline his economic agenda. Addressing the crowd, he pledged to lower taxes, revitalize U.S. manufacturing, reduce inflation, and make basic necessities like groceries more affordable. “People can’t afford their groceries, and they’re going to be able to afford groceries soon,” Trump stated, underscoring his administration’s focus on economic relief.
While Time’s Person of the Year often aligns with major political figures, the honor is not a given for presidential election winners. Historical exceptions include instances when global or cultural milestones took precedence. For example, in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II was chosen over Dwight D. Eisenhower, and in 1968, Apollo 8 astronauts were recognized instead of President-elect Richard Nixon.
Trump now joins an exclusive group of two-time honorees, a list that includes presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt (the only three-time winner), Barack Obama, and Ronald Reagan, as well as global figures like Joseph Stalin and Mikhail Gorbachev. Time’s tradition of recognizing individuals who shape the world began nearly a century ago with Charles Lindbergh, the first Person of the Year in 1927, celebrating his groundbreaking solo flight across the Atlantic.
Trump’s second term represents a historic milestone in U.S. politics. At 78, he will become the oldest individual to assume the presidency, the first twice-impeached president to return to office, and the first convicted criminal sworn in as commander-in-chief. His political journey has been marked by a series of extraordinary challenges, including numerous legal battles and even assassination attempts. Despite these hurdles, Trump’s campaign—centered on economic grievances and cultural issues—struck a chord with voters, leading to a decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Reflecting on his political resurrection, Trump’s victory is widely seen as one of the greatest comebacks in American political history. Harris, who aimed to become the first Black woman to lead the nation, was among the finalists for Time’s 2024 Person of the Year but ultimately lost out to Trump.
Time Magazine’s Person of the Year has evolved to encompass more than individual achievements, highlighting broader societal phenomena. In 2006, “You” was chosen to honor the burgeoning power of online content creators. Similarly, “The Silence Breakers” were recognized in 2017 for their pivotal role in the #MeToo movement. Even abstract entities like “The Computer” in 1982 and “Endangered Earth” in 1988 have received the title, showcasing Time’s commitment to reflecting the defining forces of each era.
Love him or hate him, Trump’s impact on the national and global stage is undeniable. His return to the presidency, coupled with a Republican-controlled Congress, sets the stage for significant policy shifts and intense public debate. As Time’s announcement underscores, Trump’s influence transcends politics, defining the cultural and economic currents of the modern era.