Trump named Time Person of the Year 2024

Photo: Time

Donald Trump has been named Time magazine's 2024 Person of the Year and is scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today (12 December) at 8:30pm (Bangladesh time).

This comes just months after he became the first former US president to be convicted of a crime in a Manhattan courtroom, located only blocks away from the NYSE, reports AP.

These developments highlight Trump's complex relationship with New York and mark his transformation from a controversial former president, who denied his election defeat four years ago, to a president-elect who secured a decisive victory in November.

Time's Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs, announced the selection on NBC's Today show, describing Trump as the individual who "for better or worse, had the most influence on the news in 2024."

Trump is expected to appear on Wall Street for the ceremonial opening of the trading day, as confirmed by multiple anonymous sources familiar with his plans. This marks his first time participating in the NYSE tradition, which frequently features prominent figures from various industries.

Trump previously received the Time Person of the Year title in 2016, following his initial presidential victory. Other finalists for this year's recognition included Vice President Kamala Harris, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Kate, the Princess of Wales.

This bell-ringing event will be the latest in a series of appearances Trump has made in New York this year. In addition to his court-mandated presence for legal proceedings, he has strategically held campaign events across the city, including a rally at Madison Square Garden that drew criticism for incendiary comments made by speakers. Trump also visited locations like a firehouse, a bodega, and a construction site, showcasing his appeal in diverse urban areas.

Trump's fascination with being featured on the cover of Time dates back to 1989. He has falsely claimed to hold the record for cover appearances, and in 2017 it was revealed that fake Time covers featuring him were displayed at several of his golf clubs.

Since his re-election, Trump has emphasized his role in recent stock market gains, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq composite all reaching record highs following his November victory. Trump argues that his new presidential term should officially start from the day after the election to credit him for the economic surge.

As Trump prepares to assume office, his administration is shaping up to include many business leaders, aligning with his campaign promises of historic economic growth. While corporate America has praised his plans to cut taxes and deregulate, concerns persist about his proposed tariffs and the potential targeting of companies based on political alignment. Historically, stock markets have risen regardless of the party in power, but Trump's policies could lead to significant shifts in industry performance.

In parallel, Trump's legal team is actively working to overturn his Manhattan conviction in light of his election win.