Donald Trump Makes History as Time’s ‘Person of the Year’ for the Second Time
From Political Comeback to Global Influence: Donald Trump‘s Second ‘Person of the Year‘ Title
Donald Trump is Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” for the second time, underscoring how he has remained a player in international politics and popular culture long after his 2017 to 2021 term as U.S. president.
Trump’s political come-from-behind victory puts him back in the Oval Office as president in 2024, following the end of his first four-year term.
Time’s editors focused on Trump’s influence, praising him for changing the course of political narratives and energizing voter bases through his polarizing yet effective communication strategies. Trump first received the title in 2016 after his surprise victory in that year’s presidential election.
Time’s decision reflects not only Trump’s political resurgence but also his broader influence on American society. Known for his unorthodox leadership style, Trump has maintained his position as a cultural and political disruptor. His second tenure as president is seen as a continuation of his commitment to controversial but transformative policies, many of which resonate deeply with his base while dividing public opinion.
According to Time magazine, the title recognizes people who have had the most influence—positive or negative—on world events in a given year. Trump’s re-election, his continued influence on international trade, and his ability to dominate global media narratives contributed significantly to this recognition.
Nancy Gibbs, the former managing editor of Time, once explained that the “Person of the Year” title is about influence, not admiration. Trump’s nomination aligns with this ethos, focusing on an ability to give shape to debates and mobilize political movements in spite of the controversy that follows much of his actions.
For 2024, Trump has emerged as a front-runner along with some other figures, including Elon Musk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other cultural icons like Taylor Swift. Still, what would set Trump apart was his power to galvanize public opinion and control the direction of national discourse.
Trump’s second recognition as Time’s “Person of the Year” will solidify his legacy as one of the most consequential figures in modern American history. With his presidency, his policies and leadership style will be likely to continue shaping the domestic and international landscapes.
This award reflects the multifaceted nature of influence in today’s world, where leaders such as Trump elicit both intense support and biting criticism. Whether his legacy will ultimately be seen as constructive or divisive is for history to decide, but his place in history is not up for debate.
