Donald Trump has done it again! He’s been crowned Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” for the second time in less than a decade.
To mark the occasion, Trump rang the New York Stock Exchange’s opening bell on Thursday morning, beaming with pride.
A Tremendous Honor
In a characteristic Trump speech, he gushed about the recognition, saying, “Well, thank you very much. This is an honor, a tremendous honor… I think I like it better this time, actually, because… we did a good job. We had a great first term despite a lot of turmoil, caused unnecessarily.”
Trump also took a dig at the media, saying they’ve “tamed down a little bit” and are “liking us much better now.” He joked that if they don’t, he’ll “just take them on again.”
The Competition
But Trump wasn’t the only one in the running. He beat out a impressive shortlist of candidates, including Vice-President Kamala Harris, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, billionaire Elon Musk, and podcast sensation Joe Rogan.
A Seal of Approval
The title of “Person of the Year” is no small feat. It’s traditionally bestowed upon figures who have significantly shaped global events, from world leaders to cultural revolutionaries. Every US president since Franklin D Roosevelt (except Gerald Ford) has worn the crown at least once, making Time’s annual selection a sort of presidential rite of passage.
Trump’s Global Gravitas
Trump’s two-time win underscores his persistent influence on the global narrative, despite his tumultuous political trajectory. His decisive presidential election win in November cemented his position as a major player on the world stage.
Pardoning Rioters and Ending Wars
In an interview with Time, Trump revealed that one of his first official acts as president would be to pardon most of the rioters accused or convicted of storming the Capitol to block the certification of Biden’s victory. He also shared his thoughts on ending the war in Ukraine, calling the current situation “crazy” and claiming that he’d use US support for Ukraine as leverage against Russia to reach an agreement.
Tackling Inflation
On the topic of inflation, Trump said he’d focus on specifically lowering the price of groceries, admitting that “it’s hard to bring things down once they’re up.”
A Complicated History
Trump’s relationship with Time magazine has been a rollercoaster ride. He first appeared on the cover in 1989, but has since dismissed the magazine’s “100 most influential persons” list as a “joke and stunt.” Despite this, he’s clearly craved its validation, as evident from his past tweets and statements.
A Presidential Rite of Passage
Trump joins a list of 14 US presidents honored by Time magazine, solidifying his place in history. Love him or hate him, Donald Trump is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, and his latest recognition is proof that he’s still got the spotlight firmly fixed on him.