Staff Reports
President-elect Donald Trump has been on quite the rollercoaster ride this past year, and it seems like even Time Magazine couldn’t ignore the thrill of his saga. For its 2024 Person of the Year, the magazine has chosen none other than Trump himself, highlighting his chaotic resilience and the uncanny knack for staying in the spotlight—even when that spotlight is less than flattering. From surviving not one, but two assassination attempts to fending off the rise of Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s escapades are nothing short of legendary. He has, once again, proven that he is not merely a showman; his antics strike a personal chord with the hardworking Americans who are banking on him to revive the ailing economy and curb the unprecedented waves of illegal immigration.
In a rather unsurprising twist, the accolades don’t stop there. Trump’s name floated above a lineup that included Harris, Kate Middleton, Elon Musk, and Benjamin Netanyahu, proving once again that some personalities simply overshadow others. It’s almost like a political version of “Survivor,” where the former president reigns, leaving glittering figures like NBA star Caitlin Clark and Elton John to pick up the crumbs of recognition for Athlete and Icon of the Year, respectively. Amidst all this, it’s commendable that a man who’s been endlessly scrutinized finally tops the list for making headlines.
Rewind to July, when Trump miraculously dodged a bullet—literally. An assassin aimed for his ear with a high-caliber rifle, only for Secret Service agents to tackle him to safety. Instead of fleeing in terror, Trump popped up like a Jack-in-the-box, waving his fists and rallying the crowd to “fight.” If any moment encapsulates Trump’s larger-than-life persona, this one qualifies. Fast forward to his latest magazine cover shoot, where he is captured in deep contemplation, countering the more often seen boisterous side of his public image.
Interestingly enough, this isn’t Trump’s first rodeo with Time Magazine. In 2016, he was also bestowed with the title of Person of the Year—a decision that ruffled a few feathers on the left and had some making historical comparisons to, of all people, Adolf Hitler. The fact that Time Magazine won’t share insights on why they choose their annual recipients adds to the intrigue, especially when one considers the political leanings of the outlet itself.
BREAKING: TIME Magazine Unveils Epic Trump Cover For Person Of The Yearhttps://t.co/R8fpNvs4bT
— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) December 12, 2024
For the cover shoot, photographer Platon opted for a simple wooden box, a prop that has supposedly featured other iconic leaders. But one has to wonder, does sitting on a box used by a conglomerate of global elites reaffirm Trump’s status, or is it merely a seat of power that accentuates his much-maligned legacy? The imagery captured at Mar-a-Lago serves as a reminder that while the world may be quick to judge, Trump continues to evoke strong feelings both for and against him – all while making sure his playlist at the shoot included classics that echo his own bravado.
Amidst it all, Trump still knows how to embrace that American spirit. During the shoot, he was asked to reflect on one of his defining moments when he kissed the American flag at CPAC. It’s moments like these that show his fervor for America, a passion that no other politician appears willing to match. Despite the seemingly endless political chaos, Trump remains a central figure, proving yet again that when it comes to media attention—and, evidently, recognition—he knows how to capture the narrative.
