World

Donald Trump set to be named Time's 'Person of the Year'

Time magazine's announcement comes as US president-elect prepares to ring opening bell at NYSE

By Reuters

December 12, 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump, surrounded by business leaders and administration officials, prepares to sign a memorandum on intellectual property tariffs on high-tech goods from China, at the White House in Washington, US March 22, 2018. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: US President-elect Donald Trump is likely to be announced as Time magazine’s "Person of the Year" on Thursday, the day when he is set to appear at the New York Stock Exchange, where he will ring the opening bell, sources familiar with the matter have revealed.

A spokesperson for Time declined to comment on the selection.

The Republican president-elect built his fortune as a New York real estate investor before turning to politics. During his first term as president, he measured his success in part by the strength of the stock market, which has so far welcomed his re-election.

The ringing of the bell signifies the start or closing of the trading day at the world’s largest stock exchange, and is considered an honour. The act has historically been reserved for company executives celebrating an initial public offering or other major corporate milestones, but celebrities and politicians like Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela and Arnold Schwarzenegger have also rung it.

Politico first reported the news of Trump's selection and plans.

Time bestowed the "Person of the Year" title to Trump once before, in 2016. It named Democratic President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris "Person of the Year" in 2020, after they defeated Trump. Pop star Taylor Swift received the title last year.