Time Magazine has a long-standing tradition of selecting a Person of the Year, a recognition that began in 1927 under the title "Man of the Year." This award acknowledges an individual or movement that has significantly impacted events during the year, for better or worse. In 2024, Time has once again chosen Donald Trump as its Person of the Year, marking the second time he has received this honour.
Donald Trump's Recognition in 2024
In a letter to readers, Time's Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs focused on the monumental political comeback and his transformative influence on American politics of Trump. According to Jacobs, "For orchestrating a comeback of monumental scale, for instigating a generational political shift, for redefining the American presidency and transforming the nation's role globally," this prestigious title was awarded to Trump. He will celebrate this accolade by ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange with family members.
This recognition occurred after Trump won the award of Person of the Year in 2016 after winning a presidential election in the US. Recognized in 2024 was very remarkable as he energized young male voters and turned things around to win the vote for the first time; this was historic since all the swing states were flipped from blue to red, affirming his hold over American electorates.
Historical Background and Previous Winners
The Person of the Year award has been conferred upon a very diverse lot of people over its lifetime. Some of the most notable previous winners include climate activist Greta Thunberg, former President Barack Obama, Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Pope Francis, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. All these have made significant contributions or impacts on society and global events.
Recent Winners
- 2024: Donald Trump - Recognized for his historic political comeback and influence on American politics.
- 2023: Taylor Swift - Honored for her cultural impact and record-breaking Eras Tour.
- 2022: Volodymyr Zelenskyy - Acknowledged for his leadership during the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- 2021: Elon Musk - Celebrated for his significant influence on technology and space exploration.
- 2020: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris - Jointly recognized for their roles in the 2020 presidential election and promoting empathy during a divisive time.
Notable Past Winners
- 2019: Greta Thunberg - For her activism on climate change and mobilizing youth protests globally.
- 2018: The Guardians - Acknowledged as a collective for their fight for press freedom.
- 2017: The Silence Breakers - Recognizing those who spoke out against sexual harassment.
- 2016: Donald Trump - First awarded after his election victory, noted for reshaping political discourse in America.
- 2015: Angela Merkel - For her leadership during the European migrant crisis and economic challenges
It was an outcome that involved careful selection by Time's editorial board, based on the candidates' influence over the year. In 2024, other finalists included Vice President Kamala Harris, Princess Catherine, (the Princess of Wales) and Tesla CEO Elon Musk now a close advisor to Trump.
Trump's Historic Comeback
Time noted that Trump's election was a "stunning political comeback." Not only did the election bring him back into power, but he also became the oldest president in U.S. history. Furthermore, Trump holds the distinction of being the first convicted felon to be elected as president after he faced 34 counts of fraud at the beginning of the year.
In his campaign for a second term, while speaking to Time, Trump spoke of his intentions to revise the United States immigration system and stated his desire to expel millions. On recalling his former distinction as Person of the Year in 2016, he described it as a "great honour," especially due to his longtime appreciation of Time magazine.
Despite this recognition, Trump has made it loud and clear that he disagrees with Time's choices throughout the years, including choosing Taylor Swift as Person of the Year for 2024.
The Person of the Year award remains an influential and impactful milestone in society. Time Magazine continues in this light by choosing Donald Trump for 2024, drawing on individuals who influence global events and discourse, both the admiration and contention of the society in which they exist.
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