Donald Trump named Time Magazine’s ‘person of the year’ for second time

Time Magazine has named U.S. President-elect Donald Trump its “Person of the Year,” marking the second time he has received this honor.

The recognition follows Trump’s remarkable political resurgence after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the Nov. 5 election.

The magazine’s cover features Trump wearing his signature red tie and striking a thoughtful pose.

“For orchestrating a comeback of historic proportions, for driving a once-in-a-generation political realignment, for reshaping the American presidency, and for altering America’s role on the world stage, Donald Trump is Time’s 2024 Person of the Year,” the magazine declared.

This year has been eventful for Trump, including a conviction on business fraud charges and surviving two assassination attempts. Despite these challenges, he is preparing to return to the White House with the Republican majority in both the House and Senate.

“We are witnessing a resurgence of populism, growing mistrust in institutions that shaped the last century, and a declining belief in liberal values as a path to better lives. Trump is both a driver and beneficiary of this transformation,” Time Magazine noted.

The annual award honors the year’s most influential individual. Previous recipients include Taylor Swift, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Trump himself in 2016, following his victory over Hillary Clinton.

Trump’s comeback, influence

Trump’s political resurgence is unprecedented, and his influence is set to grow as he assumes the presidency in January.

His policy agenda includes sweeping immigration reforms, such as mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, and significant tariffs that could disrupt both the U.S. economy and key trading partners.

Trump has also questioned continued US support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia. Meanwhile, he has already begun hosting foreign leaders at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, further cementing his role as a shadow president.

A few years ago, Trump’s return to power seemed unlikely. After the January 6 Capitol riots, many believed the Republican Party might sever ties with him.

He faced legal challenges over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and was found liable in civil court for sexual abuse.

Nevertheless, these controversies did not stop Trump from reclaiming his position as the Republican nominee and defeating Harris in the general election, solidifying his influence in U.S. politics.