
“Remade American Politics”: Donald Trump Named TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year
Donald Trump, the US President-elect, has been named TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year, following his victory over Kamala Harris in the November presidential election. His recognition underscores his transformative influence on American politics and the global stage, cementing his position as one of the most polarizing figures in modern history.
The Historic Comeback
Trump’s path to regaining the White House was anything but conventional. From campaigning out of a New York courtroom while facing 34 felony charges to surviving an assassination attempt, Trump defied the odds. His sole debate with Joe Biden in June, during which Biden announced his withdrawal from the race, set the stage for Trump to face Kamala Harris in the election.
In the 2024 US elections, Trump achieved a decisive victory, sweeping all seven swing states and securing an unprecedented number of votes from Black and Latino Americans.
A Legacy of Disruption
Since entering the political arena in 2015, Trump has profoundly altered the political landscape. TIME noted that no individual in recent memory has shaped American politics as significantly as Trump. His first term in office, marked by a global pandemic and widespread protests, ended in a tumultuous defeat in 2020. However, his return to power in 2024 has been described as his “apotheosis,” symbolizing the Age of Trump.
Exit polls highlighted Trump’s ability to expand the Republican voter base:
- Black American votes: Trump garnered the largest percentage for a Republican since Gerald Ford.
- Latino votes: He secured the highest percentage for a Republican since George W. Bush.
Trump’s messaging resonated with voters concerned about rising prices, geopolitical instability, and cultural shifts, enabling him to rebuild alliances with both his supporters and new demographics.
What’s Next for a Trump Presidency?
With his return to the White House, Trump’s agenda is expected to bring sweeping changes domestically and internationally. TIME highlighted key objectives that could define his second term:
- Tariff policies: Aimed at revamping trade deals.
- Immigration: Plans for large-scale deportations.
- Media relations: Expected continued tension with the press.
- Health policies: Potentially placing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in charge of vaccine initiatives.
- Foreign policy: Risk of escalating tensions with Iran.
Trump’s influence is likely to extend beyond US borders, shaping alliances and global strategies. International institutions, Congress, and world leaders are anticipated to align with his policies as they brace for the unpredictability of a Trump-led United States.
A Controversial Choice for TIME’s Person of the Year
For nearly a century, TIME has recognized individuals who have significantly influenced the world, for better or worse. Trump’s selection this year reflects the profound impact he has had on reshaping politics and public discourse.
As TIME aptly stated, “Whether one supports or opposes him, the Age of Trump is undeniable. His return to power has redefined the course of American and global politics.”
With his unpredictable leadership style and divisive rhetoric, Trump’s second term promises to leave an indelible mark on the future of the United States and the world.
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