The public reaction to Time’s decision to name Donald Trump as Person of the Year for 2024 has been intensely polarized, sparking heated debate across the political spectrum. For Trump’s supporters, the recognition is seen as a well-deserved acknowledgment of his political comeback and his ability to reshape the American political landscape. Many view his victory in the 2024 election as a triumph for working-class Americans, rural voters, and those who feel disconnected from the political elite. 
Trump’s direct and often controversial rhetoric resonates with a large segment of the electorate, and his supporters believe this recognition underscores his significant influence on the national stage.
However, his critics argue that Time’s decision is deeply problematic, as it appears to legitimize Trump’s divisive actions and disregard for the rule of law. They contend that honoring a figure with a criminal conviction and a history of polarizing behavior sends the wrong message about leadership, calling for a figure who embodies values like integrity, unity, and progress.
Background: Time’s Person of the Year and Donald Trump’s Recognition
Time’s Tradition: Person of the Year
Since its inception in 1927, Time Magazine’s Person of the Year (formerly Man of the Year) has been awarded to an individual or entity that has had the most significant influence on the year’s events. The magazine’s editorial team decides the winner, acknowledging people or movements whose actions, for better or worse, have shaped history. While the recognition is typically awarded to those who have made a positive impact, it has also been given to individuals with highly controversial legacies, including Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin.
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Time’s decision-making process often includes a wide range of potential honorees. In 2024, the editors considered ten individuals for the title, including Vice-President Kamala Harris, Princess of Wales, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Musk, a close confidante of Trump, was also considered for his role in shaping the tech landscape and his close ties to the political sphere, including leading an advisory board on government efficiency. However, Time ultimately chose Trump, citing his stunning political comeback following his 2024 election victory.
Trump’s 2024 Election Victory and Comeback
Time’s recognition of Trump as Person of the Year 2024 was centered around his unexpected and remarkable political comeback. In a “stunning political comeback,” Trump won the 2024 presidential election, defeating his opponents by securing a broad swath of support. Time Magazine described how Trump “reshaped the American electorate, activating young male voters who propelled him to a decisive victory.” Not only did he win the popular vote for the first time in his political career, but he also flipped key swing states that had previously voted Democratic, turning them red.
BBC
In a year marked by polarization and division, Trump’s campaign strategy successfully mobilized certain segments of the electorate, especially younger voters, who had been largely ignored in previous elections. His ability to energize a core base of supporters was seen as a critical factor in his victory. Moreover, Trump’s win was historic for several reasons: he became the oldest president in U.S. history and, for the first time, was elected after being convicted of a crime—making him the first convicted felon to ever be elected to the highest office in the land.
Trump’s Legal Troubles and Controversies
Trump’s path to the presidency in 2024 was not without controversy. He had been convicted earlier in the year by a New York jury on 34 counts of fraud, a historic ruling that made him the first ever convicted felon to run for president. His legal battles have been a significant part of his public life, from ongoing investigations into his business dealings to his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot.
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Trump had previously pledged to issue pardons for those involved in the January 6th riots, and upon being named Person of the Year, he reiterated this stance. Trump promised to review each individual’s case on a “case-by-case” basis, leaving open the possibility that he might pardon some of his supporters convicted for their involvement in the Capitol attack. This promise further fueled his support base but raised alarm among critics who viewed it as an attempt to downplay the seriousness of the January 6th events.
The Controversies Surrounding Trump’s Recognition
Convictions, Legal Issues, and Accountability
One of the most significant sources of controversy surrounding Trump’s naming as Person of the Year is his legal history. Beyond his conviction for fraud, Trump has been embroiled in multiple lawsuits, including accusations of sexual abuse and harassment. Many critics argue that it is inappropriate for someone with such a questionable legal record to be celebrated in such a prestigious manner, especially given the nature of the Person of the Year award, which often goes to figures celebrated for their leadership and positive contributions to society.
Summer Zervos alleged that Donald Trump had forcibly kissed and grabbed her © EPA/AP
For example, in early 2024, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse in connection to a lawsuit filed by writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump has denied the accusations, but the legal outcome raised questions about his fitness to lead the country once again. Critics contend that Time’s decision to name him Person of the Year is an endorsement of his behavior and legal transgressions, which many view as undermining the integrity of the title.
The January 6th Capitol Riot and Its Aftermath
Another point of contention is Trump’s role in the January 6th Capitol insurrection, where rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Trump’s involvement in inciting the event has been widely debated, and while he was impeached for his actions, he was acquitted by the Senate. His rhetoric before and after the event continues to fuel division within the country.
January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters
Time’s recognition of Trump comes just a few years after the Capitol riot, which continues to be a dark chapter in U.S. history. While some view Trump as a victim of political persecution, others see him as a dangerous figure who encouraged an attack on the democratic process. Time’s choice to honor him at a time when the aftermath of the Capitol riot remains fresh in the public’s mind raises questions about the magazine’s editorial decision-making.
Who Else Should Have Been Named Time’s Person of the Year?
While Trump’s name has dominated the conversation, there were several other individuals and movements that could have been considered for the title of Person of the Year 2024.
Gisèle Pélicot: A Hero in the Fight Against Domestic Abuse
Arnold Jerocki / Getty Images
As mentioned earlier, Gisèle Pélicot has been suggested as a strong contender for the title. After discovering that her husband of 50 years had been secretly drugging and filming her while sedated, Pélicot took a courageous stand, publicly revealing the abuse she had endured. Her actions have been widely praised for their bravery, and many see her as a beacon of resilience for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Greta Thunberg and Climate Change Activism
The Guardian
One notable figure is Greta Thunberg, the young Swedish climate activist who has been a tireless advocate for environmental change. Thunberg’s influence in the climate movement has been profound, and her continued efforts to raise awareness about climate change have made her one of the most influential voices in global politics. In 2024, she continued to lead international climate protests and push world leaders to take more aggressive action to combat global warming.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Efrem Lukatsky/AP
Another potential candidate is Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, who has been a defining figure in the war against Russia. Zelensky’s leadership and resilience in the face of Russian aggression have won him global acclaim. His efforts to rally international support for Ukraine’s fight for independence and democracy have shaped global geopolitics in profound ways. As the war continues into its second year, his impact on the world stage remains undeniable.
Public Reaction to Trump’s Naming as Person of the Year 2024
The public’s reaction to Time’s decision to name Donald Trump as Person of the Year for 2024 has sparked significant debate, with opinions divided along political lines.
Supporters of the former president see this recognition as a well-earned acknowledgment of his remarkable political resurgence and his ability to dramatically reshape American politics. For many of his followers, Trump’s victory in the 2024 election is viewed as a triumph for the working class, rural America, and those who feel alienated by the political establishment. They believe his straightforward, often combative rhetoric resonates with large segments of the electorate, offering a voice to people who feel marginalized by the traditional political elite. To them, the honor highlights Trump’s enduring influence and his role in challenging the status quo, signaling a shift in the nation’s political landscape.
Twitter: @theastroprint
Conversely, Trump’s critics vehemently oppose the decision, arguing that honoring him sends a troubling message about the qualities Time should value in influential figures. Many view his past actions—including his criminal convictions and his tendency to stoke division—as disqualifying factors for such a prestigious recognition.
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For these detractors, the decision to name Trump as Person of the Year feels like a legitimization of behavior that undermines the rule of law and fosters division in the country. They contend that a more fitting honoree would have been someone who exemplifies values like integrity, progress, and unity, offering a more positive vision for the future of America. This polarized reaction highlights the deepening cultural and political divides in the nation as Trump’s legacy continues to provoke strong emotions on both sides of the aisle.
Twitter: @David_Challen
The Implications of Trump’s Honor
The selection of Donald Trump as Time’s Person of the Year 2024 raises critical questions about the role of media in shaping public perception and the ethics of honoring figures with such controversial histories. While Trump undeniably continues to influence global events, his legacy is tainted by legal troubles, ethical concerns, and polarizing rhetoric.
Ultimately, Time Magazine’s decision to honor Trump reinforces the idea that influence—whether positive or negative—can be enough to secure such an accolade. However, the widespread criticism of his selection highlights the growing demand for greater accountability and ethical considerations in the recognition of individuals who shape our world.
As society grapples with the legacy of figures like Trump, it is essential to consider the broader implications of such honors, as they often reflect the values and priorities of the media and the public at large. Whether Time’s decision will have lasting significance or be seen as a controversial misstep remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the debate surrounding Trump’s recognition will continue to fuel conversations about power, influence, and accountability in the years to come.
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