Donald J. Trump, the president-elect of the United States, has been named the Financial Times’ “Person of the Year” for 2024, a recognition of what the publication calls his “incredible political resurgence” following his defeat in the 2020 election and his subsequent return to power.
The British newspaper made its selection public on Thursday, citing Trump’s ability to galvanize support among Republican voters and navigate a political landscape that many believed had shifted decisively against him after January 20, 2021, the date of his departure from the White House. In its announcement, the Financial Times noted that Trump’s return to prominence reflected a combination of enduring voter loyalty and his dominance over the Republican Party’s agenda.
The acknowledgment comes just weeks after Trump secured victory in the 2024 presidential election, defeating his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. The election results marked a defining moment in a deeply fractured political environment, with Trump’s campaign emphasizing a return to his “America First” agenda. Trump’s 2024 victory came after a contentious election season, punctuated by debates over immigration, the economy, and foreign policy. His campaign, which focused heavily on issues like inflation, border security, and energy independence, resonated with voters in key swing states, allowing him to reclaim the presidency after his loss to Joe Biden in 2020.
PARIS, FRANCE – Dec. 7, 2024 : The President-elect of United States of America Donald Trump at the Elysee Palace for an interview with Emmanuel Macron and the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
“We are living in the age of Trump. Historians will look at 2024 as a turning point, similar to 1932 when Roosevelt introduced the New Deal, or 1968 when Richard Nixon initiated the New Right,” stated Roger Stone, Trump’s longtime political and business associate.
This is not the first major “Person of the Year” accolade of the year. Last week TIME Magazine selected Trump as its 2024 Person of the Year. Trump’s return to prominence marks a significant achievement as he becomes only the second U.S. president, after Grover Cleveland, to win non-consecutive terms.
Donald Trump as Person of the Year on Time magazine cover. December 16, 2024
TIME’s Person of the Year tradition, which began in 1927, reflects individuals who have wielded the greatest influence—positive or negative—over the past year. Trump joined an exclusive group of leaders such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower who have previously been honored. The 2024 shortlist included other influential figures like Vice President Kamala Harris for her efforts during the Democratic campaign, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his leadership during conflict, and Yulia Navalnaya, who emerged as a symbol of resistance against Russian authoritarianism.
Additional contenders such as Princess Kate Middleton, whose battle with cancer sparked public discussions on resilience and privacy, and tech mogul Elon Musk, known for his influence in technology and politics, were also considered. However, Trump’s political comeback ultimately secured him the title.
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