Staff Reports
TIME Magazine has been doling out its Person of the Year recognition since 1927, and it has always been a barometer of someone’s clout—good, bad, or confusing. As the stage is set for a pivotal U.S. presidential election in 2024, its choice this time around carries an extra helping of significance. The world is a bit of a circus, and TIME’s selection appears poised to serve as a dramatic exclamation point to a year filled with political flops, stunning comebacks, and global drama.
Rumor has it that the forthcoming reveal will crown President-elect Donald Trump as TIME’s Person of the Year, a selection that would put him in the ranks of heavyweights who have made their mark on history—some good, some not so much. Picture it now: Trump, in his classic style, rings the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, marking the occasion with a flourish that could put a Broadway show to shame. This is how one celebrates returning to the Oval Office—showmanship, after all, has been a staple of his political playbook.
Because he is ~ ~ TIME Magazine names Donald Trump ‘Person of the Year.’ Credit: @LeadingReport pic.twitter.com/uZypoH7dog
— Mary (@matjendav4) December 12, 2024
Donald Trump, having won this honor back in 2016, is set to make history once again, becoming only the second president in American history to serve non-consecutive terms. Cleveland would surely be proud—or perhaps just bewildered. This resurgence comes on the heels of an election cycle that sent political analysts scrambling and left polls looking more foolish than ever. While Biden’s administration has been busy flooring it into an economic ditch, Trump found the key to recapturing battleground states, uniting disillusioned Americans—and reminding them that “America First” policies are still very much in play.
In the grand tradition of TIME’s Person of the Year, history has seen a mix of figures—from dictators who ravaged nations to cultural icons who inspired millions. This year’s shortlist boasted names like Kamala Harris, whose campaign may as well have been sponsored by a lost cause, and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, leading during a year filled with conflict. Sure, there were other contenders like Princess Kate, who offered a touching narrative of resilience against illness. However, the loudest footsteps on the political stage belong to Trump, whose relentless drive has reshaped America’s trajectory and continues to fuel headlines across the board.
While TIME may have a flair for the dramatic, it’s hard to ignore the strategic nature of this selection. In a year filled with highs and lows, only one individual stands out as a political powerhouse. Add it all up, and it looks like the choice to honor Trump reflects not just his influence but the thirst of the American people for leadership that listens and acts in their best interests. The lens of influence has never looked so distinctly red, and as Trump prepares to step back into the spotlight, one thing is clear: he is not merely a player in the game; he is the game—one that would have even the most staunch critics raising an eyebrow and questioning their narratives.
