Time magazine names Trump 'Person of the Year'

Time magazine names Donald Trump Person of the Year — Time magazine names Donald Trump ‘Person of the Year’ 2024. Photo: TIME/handout via Reuters

NEW YORK,— Time magazine has chosen Donald Trump as its 2024 “Person of the Year,” honoring his profound influence on American politics and his significant role in shaping the country’s global reputation.

Sam Jacobs, Time’s Editor-in-Chief, praised Trump’s unparalleled influence, stating, “For orchestrating a historic political resurgence, sparking a generational shift, transforming the presidency, and reshaping America’s global influence, Donald Trump is Time’s 2024 Person of the Year.”

This marks the second occasion Trump has received the prestigious title. In 2016, he was honored as “Person of the Year” following his surprising triumph in the presidential race. In 2020, the honor went to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris following their defeat of Trump, while pop sensation Taylor Swift earned the title last year.

The latest issue includes an in-depth interview with Trump, conducted on November 25 at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. During the discussion, Trump criticized Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory.

He also shared intentions to initiate a “significant conversation” regarding the potential end of childhood vaccination programs, a topic he plans to tackle alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Trump hinted that his administration might consider discontinuing some vaccines altogether.

To mark the honor, Trump participated in the ceremonial ringing of the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), receiving cheers from attendees. Joining him were his wife Melania, daughters Ivanka and Tiffany, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and Scott Bessent, his nominee for Treasury Secretary. Among the prominent attendees were Robert F. Kennedy Jr., along with top business leaders such as David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, and Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup.

Speaking to CNBC at the NYSE, Trump reiterated his economic agenda, emphasizing plans to expand domestic oil production and reduce corporate tax rates to 15% for products made in the United States.

The bell-ringing ceremony, which traditionally signals the start of the trading day at the world’s largest stock exchange, is considered a significant honor. Typically reserved for corporate milestones, the event has also featured prominent figures such as Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

(With files from Reuters)