In a remarkable turn of events, Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has been honored twice as Time magazine’s “Person of the Year.” This prestigious accolade, awarded to individuals or groups with significant influence on global affairs, was presented to him once again, marking a notable recognition of his resurgence in the political scene. His first acknowledgment by Time occurred in 2016 when he was recognized for his sensational and unexpected rise to power. These twin acknowledgments highlight Trump’s enduring impact on American politics, as he embarks on a path that could potentially reshape the political landscape of the nation.
On a notable Thursday, Time officially announced Trump’s selection on X (formerly Twitter), capturing the attention of those tracking his political journey. As part of the celebration for this announcement, Trump is scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, according to insiders familiar with the event. That same month, he had participated in an extensive interview with the magazine, allowing him to explain his views and future ambitions. Such recognition underlines the cultural and political dynamics in the United States, especially considering that Trump remains a polarizing figure who has garnered both support and disdain.
Despite the declining circulation of traditional print media, the title of “Person of the Year” has maintained its cultural significance in society, serving as a notable benchmark for influence and recognition. Trump has had a long-standing fascination with this title; reports suggest that a cover of Time from 2009, which never officially materialized, was displayed in various Trump golf clubs. His obsession with recognition is not new; throughout the years, he has consistently leveraged social media platforms to express his opinions on who should or should not receive such accolades.
Trump has, at various stages, directly criticized Time magazine for its selections. For instance, in 2011, he publicly responded to the choice of “The Protester” as the Person of the Year, which was intended to represent widespread movements and unrest globally. His sense of entitlement to the title was particularly noted during 2015 when German Chancellor Angela Merkel received the honor. His response via social media reflected his ongoing narrative that he should have been recognized despite alluding to his belief that the choices made by the magazine were flawed.
Moreover, Trump’s complex relationship with the recognition of his influence was evident even after being honored in 2016; he remained closely attentive to the selections made by Time in the years that followed. In 2017, he communicated to his followers that he believed he was in contention for Person of the Year again, although Time later stated that his version of events did not align with their own. His continuous monitoring of media narratives demonstrates both his strategic efforts to shape public perception and a desire for validation within mainstream recognition.
Despite his frequent critiques of media institutions, he has still engaged with several traditional news outlets, including Time. In a notable contrast, he conducted an in-depth interview with the magazine at his Palm Beach residence in April of the current year, showcasing a willingness to reach out to his audience through established media channels. Interestingly, Vice President Kamala Harris declined a similar opportunity for engagement, indicating diverging strategies in media relations for prominent political figures today.
The title of Person of the Year has historically been bestowed upon many influential figures, ranging from politicians and activists to entrepreneurs and sometimes even authoritarian leaders. Except for Gerald Ford, every President since Franklin D. Roosevelt has received this honor at least once. In a fascinating juxtaposition, current President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris were recognized together in 2020 for their victory over Trump, a reflection of the ongoing political rivalry that marks contemporary American democracy.
As Trump prepares for the ceremony on Thursday, family members, including Ivanka Trump, are anticipated to attend the event. Ivanka, who served as a senior adviser to her father during his first term, has made few public appearances in recent times. This forthcoming occasion serves to highlight not only Trump’s legacy but also the personal connections that continue to support his political narrative.
The unfolding events signify a significant chapter in American political history, characterized by the intertwining of media influence and political power, each shaping the other’s narrative. The public attention surrounding Trump’s recognition as Time’s Person of the Year further emphasizes the continuing saga of his influence and the broader implications on the turbulent landscape of American politics. This report has been updated with additional developments regarding Trump’s reception of the accolade, where CNN’s Betsy Klein and Hadas Gold were noted for their contributions to the ongoing coverage.
