Main Theme: Donald Trump has been named TIME magazine's Person of the Year for 2024, marking his second time receiving the accolade. The selection highlights his political resurgence, unexpected re-election victory, and the profound influence he continues to wield over American politics and the global landscape.

Key Points:

• Unprecedented Comeback: TIME acknowledges the tumultuous end to Trump's first term, stating, "His first term ended in disgrace" and "he was shunned by most party officials." Despite this, he orchestrated an unprecedented political comeback, securing a second presidency.

• Dominating Election Strategy: Trump credits his "72 Days of Fury" strategy for his success, suggesting it effectively targeted the "nerve of the country" and exposed the shortcomings of his Democratic rivals.

• Policy Agenda: In his interview with TIME, Trump outlines key policy priorities for his second term, including:

• Pardoning January 6th Defendants: He pledges immediate pardons for individuals involved in the Capitol riots.

• "It’s going to start in the first hour. Maybe the first nine minutes.”

• Reversing Biden's Policies: He plans to reverse many of President Biden's executive orders, signaling a stark shift in policy direction.

• Energy and Immigration: He aims to expand oil drilling on federal land and implement stricter immigration policies, even suggesting leveraging international trade to pressure foreign governments into cooperation.

• "I’ll get them into every country, or we won’t do business with those countries.”

• Executive Action: He expresses a willingness to bypass Congress through executive orders to enact his agenda.

• "If I have even a little bit of trouble. I go to an Executive Order because I can get it done.”

• "Age of Trump": TIME contends that Trump's influence transcends his presidency, shaping the political and historical landscape. They state, "On the cusp of his second presidency, all of us—from his most fanatical supporters to his most fervent critics—are living in the Age of Trump."

• Electoral Success: The sources highlight Trump's surprising electoral success:

• Expanding his voter base across demographics.

• Becoming the first Republican to win the popular vote in two decades.

• Increasing support in 90% of U.S. counties compared to 2020.

Quotes:

• TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs: “Since he began running for President in 2015, perhaps no single individual has played a larger role in changing the course of politics and history than Trump.”

• TIME on Trump's Victory: "For marshaling a comeback of historic proportions, for driving a once-in-a-generation political realignment, for reshaping the American presidency and altering America’s role in the world, Donald Trump is TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year.”

• Donald Trump on his Election Strategy: “The Democrats didn't get it. They just kept going back to the same old nonsense. And it was nonsense, especially in where we are right now. And we hit—we hit something that was very special. We hit the nerve of the country.”

Analysis:

TIME's decision to name Donald Trump Person of the Year for a second time underscores his enduring impact on American politics and society. The selection is not an endorsement but rather an acknowledgment of his ability to reshape the political landscape and command global attention. His second term promises to be as impactful and controversial as his first, with a policy agenda likely to face intense scrutiny and opposition. His return to the White House signals a new chapter in the "Age of Trump," with far-reaching implications for both the United States and the world.

Timeline of Events:

2015:

• Donald Trump begins his campaign for President of the United States.

2016:

• Donald Trump wins the presidential election, shocking many.

• Donald Trump is named TIME's Person of the Year.

2017 - 2020:

• Trump serves his first term as president, a period marked by chaos, including the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide protests.

2020:

• Trump loses the presidential election to Joe Biden by 7 million votes.

• On January 6th, Trump supporters storm the US Capitol in a violent attack.

Late 2022:

• Trump announces his candidacy for president amidst multiple criminal investigations and is shunned by many in the Republican party.

June 2024:

• Trump faces President Joe Biden in a single presidential debate.

• Shortly after the debate, Biden withdraws from the race.

• Trump survives an assassination attempt at a campaign rally.

November 2024:

• Trump wins the presidential election, becoming the first Republican in two decades to win the popular vote.

• He increases his support in 90% of US counties compared to the 2020 election.

December 2024:

• Donald Trump is named TIME's Person of the Year for the second time.

Cast of Characters:

Donald Trump:

• Former President of the United States (2017-2021) and President-elect (2024).

• Real estate mogul and businessman.

• Known for his controversial rhetoric and policies.

• First person to lose the popular vote and then win a second term.

• Plans to pardon January 6th rioters, reverse many of Biden's executive orders, expand oil drilling, and crack down on immigration.

Joe Biden:

• President of the United States (2021-2024).

• Withdrew from the 2024 presidential race after the debate with Trump.

Kamala Harris:

• Vice President of the United States (2021-2024).

• Contender for TIME's Person of the Year.

• Lost the 2024 presidential election to Trump after Biden's withdrawal.

Benjamin Netanyahu:

• Prime Minister of Israel.

• Contender for TIME's Person of the Year.

Claudia Sheinbaum:

• President of Mexico.

• Contender for TIME's Person of the Year.

Catherine, Princess of Wales:

• Member of the British Royal Family.

• Contender for TIME's Person of the Year.

Joe Rogan:

• Controversial podcaster.

• Contender for TIME's Person of the Year.

Elon Musk:

• Billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter).

• Contender for TIME's Person of the Year.

Sam Jacobs:

• Editor-in-Chief of TIME magazine.

FAQ: Donald Trump Named TIME's 2024 Person of the Year

Why was Donald Trump named TIME's Person of the Year for 2024?

TIME magazine selected Donald Trump as their 2024 Person of the Year due to his significant influence on global politics and his historic political resurgence, leading to his second presidency. TIME recognized that Trump has undeniably shaped the course of history and remains a central figure in modern politics, acknowledging both his supporters and detractors.

What were some of the key factors in Trump's selection?

TIME highlighted Trump's unprecedented comeback after facing numerous challenges, including criminal investigations and a first term that ended in controversy. They noted his decisive victory over Republican rivals, his effective campaign strategy, and his resilience in the face of adversity, including an assassination attempt.

What were some of the other contenders for TIME's Person of the Year?

The shortlist for TIME's Person of the Year included notable figures such as Vice-President Kamala Harris, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, Catherine, Princess of Wales, podcaster Joe Rogan, and billionaire X boss Elon Musk.

Did TIME acknowledge the controversies surrounding Trump?

Yes, TIME acknowledged the controversial aspects of Trump's career, including the January 6th Capitol riots and his loss in the 2020 election. However, they emphasized that their selection is based on the individual's impact on the world, for better or worse.

What did Trump discuss in his interview with TIME?

In his interview with TIME, Trump revealed his plans for his second term, including pardoning January 6th defendants, deporting illegal immigrants, expanding oil drilling, and potentially using executive orders to bypass Congress. He also discussed his foreign policy approach and his campaign strategy.

Has Trump been TIME's Person of the Year before?

Yes, this is Trump's second time being named TIME's Person of the Year. He previously received the title in 2016 following his first presidential election victory.

How did Trump perform in the 2024 election?

Trump achieved a decisive victory in the 2024 election, securing a second term. He increased his popularity across various voter demographics and became the first Republican in two decades to win the popular vote.

What is TIME's criteria for selecting their Person of the Year?

TIME's Person of the Year is the individual or group that the magazine believes has had the most significant impact on the world over the past year, "for better or worse." The selection is based on their influence, actions, and role in shaping global events.