Donald Trump, who once speculated he would never be named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year,” is set to receive the honor for the second time. Time will announce its choice on Thursday, highlighting Trump as the individual or group with the most significant impact on global affairs, “for good or for ill.”
To commemorate the announcement, Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, according to sources. The former president-elect participated in a comprehensive interview with the magazine last month.
A Historical Echo from 2016
Trump’s selection this year mirrors his first recognition in 2016, following his unexpected rise to the presidency. This latest honor underscores his political resurgence and potential to disrupt modern American politics anew.
Trump’s Longstanding Obsession with the Title
Time’s “Person of the Year” remains a cultural milestone despite the magazine’s declining circulation. Over the years, Trump has publicly expressed a fixation on the title. In 2009, a fake Time cover naming him “Person of the Year” was displayed at several of his golf clubs, as reported by The Washington Post.
Through social media, Trump frequently commented on the annual selection process. In 2011, he criticized Time for naming “The Protester,” representing global movements like the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street, rather than himself. A year later, he declared Time had “lost all credibility” for excluding him from its 100 most influential people list.
In recent years, Trump voiced discontent with other honorees, including Taylor Swift in 2023. Swift’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris led Trump to post a now-infamous comment: “I hate Taylor Swift.”
Symbol of Elusive Validation
For Trump, the title often symbolized a pursuit of mainstream fame and respect. In 2015, after German Chancellor Angela Merkel was selected, he lamented on Twitter that Time had chosen “the person who is ruining Germany” instead of him.
Even after being named “Person of the Year” in 2016, which he called “a great honor,” Trump continued to closely follow subsequent selections. In 2017, he claimed he was considered again but refused to participate due to photo shoot requirements—a claim the magazine later denied.
Trump’s Media Engagements
Despite his frequent criticism of legacy media, Trump has regularly engaged with outlets like Time. Earlier this year, he granted the magazine an extended interview at his Palm Beach club. In contrast, Vice President Harris declined a similar opportunity, as disclosed by Time’s ownership.
A Legacy of Notable Figures
Time’s “Person of the Year” has historically recognized diverse individuals, from political leaders and activists to entrepreneurs and even authoritarian rulers. Every U.S. president since Franklin D. Roosevelt, except Gerald Ford, has received the title at least once. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were co-honorees in 2020 after defeating Trump in the presidential race.
Family Appearance at the Ceremony
Trump’s family, including Ivanka Trump, is expected to attend Thursday’s announcement. This will mark a rare public appearance for Ivanka, who served as a senior adviser during Trump’s first term.
Trump’s second recognition by Time underscores his enduring influence in American politics and his unique ability to remain at the center of public discourse.
