The incoming 47th US president Donald Trump has been named TIME magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year, making him only the fifth individual to receive the honour twice.
Why ‘TIME’ named Donald Trump ‘Person of the Year’ in 2024
This recognition follows his victory in the recent presidential election, marking a historic return to power that has reignited debates about his impact on American and global politics.
Trump first received the title in 2016, following his election as the 45th president.
This year, TIME described his return to the presidency as a moment of both political disruption and resilience. Despite surviving two assassination attempts during his campaign,
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Trump mobilised his base with a platform that resonated strongly with his supporters while drawing sharp criticism from opponents.
TIME Editor-in-Chief Edward Felsenthal commented on the selection, stating:
“Donald Trump’s influence on the political narrative in 2024 was unparalleled, reshaping not only the Republican Party but also the broader trajectory of the United States.”
Trump joins an elite list of individuals who have been named Person of the Year multiple times, including Franklin D Roosevelt and Barack Obama.
His second selection contrasts sharply with the honorees of the past three years, showcasing the diversity of influence recognized by TIME:
- 2023: Taylor Swift, honoured for her cultural and musical impact.
- 2022: Volodymyr Zelensky and the “Spirit of Ukraine,” celebrated for their leadership amid war.
- 2021: Elon Musk, acknowledged for breakthroughs in technology and space exploration.
While Swift’s influence was cultural, Zelensky’s leadership was tied to a global crisis, and Musk’s was technological, Trump’s recognition reflects the enduring weight of his political presence and controversial leadership style.
Reactions to Trump’s second recognition have been deeply divided.
His supporters view it as a testament to his resilience and ability to command the world stage, while critics argue it perpetuates divisive narratives.
Here are some of the reactions we picked:
