In a controversial move, “Time” magazine has named Donald Trump its “Person of the Year” for 2016. This is the second time the U.S. President-elect has received this recognition, the first being in 2016 when he was just becoming a prominent figure in the lead-up to the presidential election. The magazine chose Trump for his significant impact on the news and the year’s events, despite his divisive policies and controversial statements. Trump marked the occasion by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
Title: Time Magazine Names Donald Trump "Person of the Year" – DW in English
On Monday, Time magazine announced that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has been named "Person of the Year" for 2016. The prestigious title is bestowed by the publication to the person or entity that has had the most influence on world events over the past year. This year, Trump edged out a strong field that included Beyoncé, the cast of the Broadway musical "Hamilton," and World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan.
Time’s cover features a striking portrait of Trump, alongside the headline, "President of the Divided States of America." The accompanying piece, written by editor Nancy Gibbs, praises Trump’s ability to "tap into" the "frustration and anxiety" of Americans feeling disenfranchised by the political establishment. Gibbs also acknowledges the "unprecedented" nature of Trump’s candidacy and presidency, noting that he is "the first president who is constrained by the 22nd Amendment, having run out of lives to spend mentoring the American beter."
ifacts and DW (in español) have reported extensively on Trump’s unconventional campaign and subsequent presidential transition. DW (in español) has covered Trump’s divisive rhetoric, controversial policy proposals, and precedent-setting actions, such as his executive order to halt immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
The announcement of Trump’s "Person of the Year" title comes as he prepares to take office on January 20, 2017. His inauguration will mark the beginning of an administration that has been met with optimism by some and trepidation by others, amid concerns over his unpredictability, lack of political experience, and disregard for traditional diplomatic norms.
In response to the announcement, Trump took to Twitter to thank Time and hint at his plans for the presidency:
"" Just had a nice dinner with President Obama. All agreed that my transition team has been very professional, already a big difference between this and 2016. I’m very honored by @Time mag naming me ‘Person of the Year’, but last year was such a big problem in many ways for the U.S. I look forward to next year with optimism and a plan to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
Time magazine has named a U.S. President "Person of the Year" an unprecedented 11 previous times, including six times before Trump: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
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