NEW YORK — Time Magazine has named U.S. President-elect Donald Trump its 2024 Person of the Year, recognizing his dramatic political comeback and influence on global events.
Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election, graces the magazine’s cover wearing his signature red tie and striking a reflective pose.
“For marshaling a comeback of historic proportions, for driving a once-in-a-generation political realignment, for reshaping the American presidency, and altering America’s role in the world, Donald Trump is Time’s 2024 Person of the Year,” the magazine declared.
A Historic Year
This marks the second time Trump has received the honor, with the first being in 2016 after his surprising victory over Hillary Clinton.
The year 2024 was a tumultuous one for Trump. He was convicted on charges of business fraud and survived two assassination attempts. Despite these challenges, he is set to return to the White House in January with Republican majorities in both the House and Senate.
Time Magazine’s editors noted Trump’s pivotal role in a growing global populist movement, stating, “Trump is both agent and beneficiary of it all.”
A Polarizing Figure
Trump’s policies for his upcoming term include mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and sweeping tariffs that could reshape the global economy. He has cast doubt on continued U.S. support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia and has already hosted foreign leaders at his Mar-a-Lago estate, assuming a “shadow president” role.
While criminal investigations and polarizing controversies defined his post-2020 years, Trump emerged as the dominant force in U.S. politics, reclaiming the Republican nomination and defeating Harris in the general election.
Shortlist of Finalists
Harris was among those shortlisted for Time’s award, alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian economist Yulia Navalnaya, widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Trump’s recognition further cements his resurgence as one of the most influential figures in contemporary global politics.