Three days before Thanksgiving, the former and future president sits in his Florida home’s sunlit dining room. Over a dozen people wait nearly two hours for his appearance. His potential National Security Adviser, Middle East envoy, Vice President, and chief of staff are among those present. Trump plays music from a 2,000-song playlist throughout the afternoon, including songs by Sinéad O’Connor, ABBA, and James Brown.
For 97 years, TIME editors have selected the Person of the Year: the individual who most significantly shaped the world and its headlines, for better or worse. While often a challenging decision, 2024 was not.
Since his 2015 presidential campaign, few individuals have impacted politics and history more than Trump. His election victory surprised many, followed by a turbulent presidency that included the pandemic’s early stages, nationwide protests, an election loss by 7 million votes, and the January 6th Capitol attack. Many predicted his political demise.
If that marked his lowest point, his recent victory represents his peak. On the verge of his second term, everyone—supporters and critics alike—lives in the Age of Trump. He swiftly defeated Republican rivals, campaigning largely from a New York courtroom where he faced 34 felony charges. His June debate with President Biden resulted in Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Sixteen days later, he survived an assassination attempt at a rally. In the final stretch, he won all seven swing states, enjoying widespread popularity. He expressed disbelief at his victory.
Trump reshaped American politics by expanding his base, capitalizing on economic frustration and a global anti-incumbent sentiment. Exit polls suggest record-high Black and Latino support for a Republican candidate. Suburban women, previously considered a Democratic stronghold, shifted towards him. He became the first Republican in two decades to win more votes than the Democrat, with increased support in nine out of ten American counties compared to 2020.
Now, we observe Congress, international bodies, and world leaders aligning with his wishes. The familiar cast of Trumpworld characters returns. Supporters applaud his vows to retaliate against enemies and dismantle the government. Trump’s planned return to the Oval Office signals intentions to impose tariffs, deport millions, and threaten the press. He plans to put his choice in charge of significant roles. A war with Iran remains a possibility. He stated, “Anything can happen.”
Three weeks post-election, Trump exhibited more composure than during a previous Mar-a-Lago visit. While he thrives on conflict, his victory seemed to bring a sense of wistful reflection, acknowledging his final run for office. He expressed sadness about its conclusion. For Americans and the world, however, this is also a new beginning. Trump is back at the global forefront, stronger than ever.
The Person of the Year designation has evolved: from Man of the Year to its current form; from the interwar period, featuring figures like Mohandas Gandhi and Wallis Simpson, to the early 21st century, marked by technological revolution. While the American presidency has changed, its influence remains. Today’s resurgence of populism, distrust in established institutions, and eroding faith in liberal values benefit Trump. He is both the cause and beneficiary of this shift.
For orchestrating a historic comeback, driving a political realignment, reshaping the presidency, and altering America’s global role, he is TIME’s Person of the Year.
