New York: Time magazine has awarded U.S. President-elect Donald Trump its prestigious “Person of the Year” title for 2024, recognizing his substantial influence on American politics and global affairs.
“For marshaling 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,” wrote Sam Jacobs, Time’s Editor-in-Chief, in a letter to readers.
This marks the second time Trump has received this honor. He was previously named “Person of the Year” in 2016 following his first presidential victory. Time has since highlighted other figures, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in 2020, and pop icon Taylor Swift in 2023.
The announcement coincides with the publication’s latest issue, featuring an in-depth interview conducted on November 25 at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. In the interview, Trump criticized Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied missiles in Russian territory, expressed plans for a “big discussion” about childhood vaccination programs with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his nominee for the Department of Health and Human Services, and hinted at possibly discontinuing certain vaccines.
NYSE Bell Ceremony Marks the Occasion
To commemorate the recognition, Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), receiving applause from attendees. He was joined by key figures, including Kennedy, his wife Melania, daughters Ivanka and Tiffany, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and Scott Bessent, his nominee for Treasury Secretary. Prominent business leaders such as Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser were also in attendance.
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During remarks to CNBC at the NYSE, Trump reiterated his plans to expand domestic oil drilling and reduce corporate taxes to 15% for U.S.-manufactured products.
The NYSE bell ringing is a ceremonial tradition, often reserved for celebrating significant corporate milestones or public figures. Previous honorees include Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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Legacy and Impact
Time’s decision underscores Trump’s role in shaping not only the U.S. political landscape but also its international relationships, as he prepares to lead the country again.
