Time magazine has named President-elect Donald Trump as its Person of the Year for 2024, marking his second time receiving the title after first being recognized in 2016. The announcement was made on Thursday, with pop icon Taylor Swift holding the honor for 2023.
Time’s tradition of selecting individuals or groups focuses on those who “for better or for worse, did the most to shape the world.” While several presidents-elect have received the title, it is not guaranteed. For example, Queen Elizabeth II was chosen in 1952 over Dwight D. Eisenhower, and in 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts, who were the first to orbit the moon, were selected instead of President-elect Richard Nixon.
Trump has long referred to Time magazine Person of the Year as his “holy grail.” Over the years, he has been featured on the magazine’s cover multiple times, occasionally in critical portrayals. In 2015, when German Chancellor Angela Merkel was chosen instead of him, Trump openly expressed his frustration, criticizing the decision on Twitter and mentioning it at a rally. However, after being selected in 2016, he called the recognition “a great honor” during an interview with NBC’s Today show.
TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs elaborated on Trump’s selection this year, stating, “For marshalling 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.”
Despite facing six corporate bankruptcies and multiple criminal cases, Trump decisively defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the presidency. His return makes him the first convicted criminal to take the presidential oath, the first twice-impeached president to regain office, and, at 78, the oldest individual to assume the role.
Harris, who aimed to become the first Black president, was one of five finalists considered for this year’s title.
