Donald Trump, the former president and current president-elect, has been named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2024, making him one of the few individuals to receive the honor twice. This recognition highlights Trump’s undeniable influence on global affairs, for better or worse, as he prepares to reenter the White House following a stunning political resurgence.
Trump’s selection was revealed Thursday morning on X (formerly Twitter), sparking widespread conversation. As part of the celebration, he is slated to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. The announcement mirrors his first recognition in 2016, when Time acknowledged his unexpected rise to the presidency. This year’s designation solidifies Trump’s impact on the political landscape, as his comeback continues to shape modern American politics.
The Time Person of the Year distinction has long been a cultural benchmark, awarded to those who wield the most influence—positive or negative—on world events. While Time’s circulation has declined, the honor remains a coveted title. Trump, known for his fascination with mainstream accolades, has closely monitored the magazine’s annual selection over the years, often critiquing or celebrating the outcomes.
This year’s win caps a decades-long obsession for Trump. Even before his 2016 victory, he expressed frustration over being passed over. In 2015, he criticized the magazine’s choice of then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel, tweeting, “They picked the person who is ruining Germany,” and claimed Time would “never” select him. In 2009, a fake Time cover featuring Trump as Person of the Year was displayed at his golf clubs, a move widely reported as emblematic of his desire for recognition.
Trump’s relationship with Time has been complicated but consistent. Despite his public criticism of the media, he has granted the magazine extensive access. Earlier this year, he sat for a wide-ranging interview at his Palm Beach estate.
Time’s Person of the Year tradition has included an array of figures, from revolutionary activists and groundbreaking entrepreneurs to authoritarian leaders. Every U.S. president since Franklin D. Roosevelt—except Gerald Ford—has received the honor at least once. Notably, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris shared the title in 2020 after defeating Trump in that year’s election.
Members of Trump’s family, including Ivanka Trump, are expected to join him at Thursday’s unveiling. This marks a rare public appearance for Ivanka, who has largely stayed out of the political spotlight since her role as a senior adviser during Trump’s first term.
