Trump Tops TIME’s List Again: A Remarkable Comeback

In a year that saw historic political shifts and a redefining of presidential dynamics, Donald Trump has been named TIME’s Person of the Year for 2024, marking a significant return to prominence for the former president.

In a remarkable turn of events, Donald Trump has been named TIME magazine's Person of the Year for the second time, reflecting the significant political landscape changes he has orchestrated. TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs cited Trump's ability to "marshal a comeback of historic proportions" and to shift not only the American political alignment but also the U.S. position on global issues.

This honor comes as Trump prepares to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, flanked by his family. Trump first earned this accolade in 2016 following his presidential election victory. The Person of the Year award, which has evolved since its inception in 1927 as "Man of the Year," serves to highlight individuals or movements that have exerted considerable influence in the past year, for better or worse.

The list of previous honorees showcases a range of influential figures, from climate activist Greta Thunberg to former President Barack Obama. This year, TIME selected Trump from a competitive shortlist that included prominent individuals like Vice-President Kamala Harris and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who now directs an advisory board under Trump.

Characterizing Trump's candidacy, TIME remarked on his historic comeback during the recent election, which saw an unprecedented activation of young male voters. The magazine noted that Trump not only won the popular vote in what was a startling turn of events but also turned all swing states red, further solidifying his influence. His election win is notable as he became the oldest President in U.S. history while simultaneously being the first convicted felon to hold the office, after facing 34 fraud counts earlier this year.

Throughout this year’s campaign cycle, Trump engaged with TIME magazine, relaying his ambitions for a potential second term, including sweeping reforms of the immigration system. He expressed deep disappointment when he wasn’t selected for a cover in 2015, a snub that went to Angela Merkel, but later recognized his 2016 selection as a prestigious acknowledgment. Despite this honor, he has frequently critiqued the magazine's choices, recently expressing his opinion on Taylor Swift being named Person of the Year for 2024.

As we await Trump’s potential new initiatives upon entering the White House, the political landscape remains rife with discussions about his next steps and the implications of his second term leadership.