Donald Trump’s latest accolade? Being named Time magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year, marking the second time in less than a decade that he’s claimed the title. While the title is often controversial, it’s likely Trump considers this recognition as significant—if not more so—than his victory in the presidential race. And let’s face it, he won’t let anyone forget it anytime soon.
It’s been a rollercoaster year for Trump, one that would make even the most seasoned political figures break a sweat. He shuffled between courtrooms to face numerous allegations, including sexual abuse, tax fraud, and incitement. He faltered during a debate with Joe Biden, had a near-death experience at a rally in Pennsylvania, and still managed to pull off a stunning electoral win. For Trump, this year has been as chaotic as it was victorious—a highlight reel of controversy, drama, and relentless determination. And now, with Time’s latest honor, 2024 may just go down as the most significant year of his life. (Brace yourselves, though—four years of his second term are still ahead.)
Many are scratching their heads, asking why Time would choose such a divisive figure as their Person of the Year for a second time. According to the magazine, the choice was due to Trump’s “unparalleled political renaissance.” In their words:
“Trump’s political rebirth is unparalleled in American history. His first term ended in disgrace, with his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results culminating in the attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was shunned by most party officials when he announced his candidacy in late 2022 amid multiple criminal investigations. Little more than a year later, Trump cleared the Republican field, clinching one of the fastest-contested presidential primaries in history. He spent six weeks during the general election in a New York City courtroom, the first former President to be convicted of a crime—a fact that did little to dampen his support. An assassin’s bullet missed his skull by less than an inch at a rally in Butler, Pa., in July. Over the next four months, he beat not one but two Democratic opponents, swept all seven swing states, and became the first Republican to win the popular vote in 20 years. He has realigned American politics, remaking the GOP and leaving Democrats reckoning with what went awry.”
Love him or hate him, the recognition acknowledges Trump’s undeniable impact on American politics. In just one year, he redefined the GOP, survived scandals that would have sunk most politicians, and defied all odds to reclaim the White House.
Trump joins an exclusive club of individuals who have been named Time’s Person of the Year twice, alongside figures like Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower. However, he still falls short of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the only person to receive the honor three times. You can almost imagine Trump making that his next goal.
For many, this honor feels like an unnecessary ego boost for someone whose name is synonymous with controversy, scandal, and divisiveness. As the nation braces for another four years of Trump’s leadership, this recognition feels less like a celebration and more like a reminder of his relentless quest for power—and the storm that comes with it. If nothing else, Trump’s story proves that, for better or worse, he’s one of the most determined and polarizing figures of our time.