Donald Trump Earns Time Magazine's Person of the Year Title Again

The former president's recent achievements and future plans are highlighted in the magazine’s announcement.

Time Magazine has once again named Donald Trump as its Person of the Year, marking the second time he has received this honor; his first was in 2016 after his presidential election victory. Time's Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs praised Trump for orchestrating "a historic comeback" and fostering "a once-in-a-generation political realignment" that has fundamentally transformed the American presidency and the United States’ global stance.

On the day of the announcement, Trump celebrated the accolade by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, accompanied by family members and supporters chanting "U-S-A". In an exclusive interview with Time, Trump shared insights into his vision for his upcoming term, pledging to review "case-by-case" the convictions of supporters involved in the January 2021 Capitol riots and reiterated past promises of issuing pardons.

Before ringing the bell, Trump outlined ambitious economic plans, including promises of unprecedented economic growth and substantial tax cuts. Time Magazine's annual tradition, which began in 1927 as "Man of the Year," aims to honor individuals or movements that have made significant impacts in the past year, for better or for worse. Past honorees include well-known figures like Greta Thunberg, Barack Obama, and Pope Francis.

In the selection process this year, Time editors reviewed candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, now an influential advisor to Trump. According to the magazine, Trump's re-election signifies a "stunning political comeback," notably activating younger male voters and winning the popular vote for the first time, leading to a remarkable win across crucial states.

This re-election marks historical significance: Trump is now the oldest person to hold the presidency and the first convicted felon elected to the role. During earlier interviews with Time, Trump discussed his plans for immigration reform and his intention to deport millions. Although he felt overlooked in 2015 when Angela Merkel was named Person of the Year, his later recognition brought him pride, expressing the importance of such a title—especially as a longtime reader of the magazine. Despite his achievements, Trump has remained critical of Time’s past honorees, including pop star Taylor Swift.