Donald Trump has once again made history by being named TIME magazine’s Person of the Year, having reclaimed the presidency and becoming only the second U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms. This announcement, made on Thursday, reinforces Trump’s status as a significant political figure on the global stage. TIME’s assessment of Trump highlights his unprecedented political resurgence, describing it as “unparalleled in American history.” The publication’s team conducted interviews with the President-elect before making the announcement, which emphasizes the dramatic narrative surrounding Trump’s campaign, playfully dubbed “72 Days of Fury.” Trump first achieved the title of Person of the Year in 2016 when he won the presidency against Hillary Clinton, and this latest recognition underscores his remarkable political trajectory.
However, Trump’s path back to the presidency was far from smooth. After leaving office in disgrace, amid an impeachment and the fallout from the January 6 Capitol attack related to his efforts to challenge the 2020 election results, many in the Republican Party distanced themselves from him. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, Trump announced his candidacy in late 2022 despite facing numerous criminal investigations. Within a year, he dominated a rapidly evolving Republican primary landscape, overcoming skepticism and competition. TIME highlighted that Trump’s ability to swiftly secure the Republican nomination is one of the fastest in the party’s history, showcasing his resilience as a candidate capable of transforming political fortunes.
The competition for TIME’s Person of the Year award was intense, with Trump competing against high-profile figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Musk, who was previously honored as Person of the Year in 2021, represented a notable challenge to Trump’s recognition. Ultimately, Trump’s comeback narrative and the political implications of his second term proved compelling enough to earn him the title, marking a significant moment in the ongoing saga of his political career.
Looking to the future, Trump’s campaign served as a platform to address what he described as “the sources of American discontent” on both domestic and international fronts. He emerged from a year marked by significant challenges—including legal battles, a conviction in New York, and even two assassination attempts—by forging unexpected alliances and garnering support from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Musk. These collaborations contributed to a shifting dynamic within the political landscape, particularly surrounding the Democratic nomination process, which added a layer of complexity to the electoral environment that Trump navigated.
TIME emphasized that Trump’s second-time ascension not only grants him political capital but also sets the stage for a bold agenda. The President-elect indicated an intention to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 events, further signaling his commitment to address contentious issues and unify his supporters. Trump’s plans reflect a continued dedication to the themes that resonated with his base, as he signaled a readiness to act swiftly once in office, aiming to make significant changes from the first moments of his administration.
The tradition of TIME’s Person of the Year, which dates back to 1927, serves as a reminder that the title isn’t inherently honorable but rather indicative of influence. Throughout history, many presidents have been recognized during their election victories, with notable figures like Barack Obama and George W. Bush receiving the same distinction. Trump’s celebratory moment included symbolically ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, where enthusiastic “USA” chants erupted from supporters—marking a triumphant return and a showcase of his enduring influence in American politics. Importantly, this moment signifies how far Trump has come since the tumultuous end of his first term, poised once again to make his mark on the nation.
