Time Magazine has recognized US president-elect Donald Trump as its “Person of the Year” for the second time.He previously received this title from Time in 2016 when he won the US Presidential election for the first time.
This year, notable figures such as US Vice President Kamala Harris, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were included in the magazine’s shortlist.
Mr. Trump participated in a significant moment when he rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange at 9:30 AM, marking a first for him, and referred to the accolade as “a tremendous honour”.
The Time magazine cover featuring him was displayed on a wall at the stock exchange, adorned with American flags.
Mr. Trump, joined by his wife Melania Trump, daughters Ivanka and Tiffany, and vice president-elect JD Vance, smiled as attendees chanted “USA” prior to him ringing the bell.
He subsequently raised his fist in celebration.
Sam Jacobs, Time’s editor-in-chief, revealed on NBC’s Today show that Mr. Trump was selected as Time’s 2024 Person of the Year.
Mr. Jacobs stated that Mr. Trump was someone who “for better or for worse, had the most influence on the news in 2024”.
“This is a person who made a historic comeback, reshaped the American presidency, and is reordering American politics,” Mr. Jacobs noted.
“It’s difficult to deny that the individual entering the Oval Office is the most influential figure in news.”
He added that “there’s always a lively debate” at the magazine regarding this honour, “though I must admit this year was an easier choice than in previous years”.
In a conversation with Time, Mr. Trump indicated that he would engage in a “big discussion” regarding the termination of childhood vaccination programs with vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his choice for the Department of Health and Human Services, suggesting that his new administration could eliminate some vaccines.
“We’re going to have a big discussion,” he stated.
“The autism rate is at an alarming level that was previously deemed impossible. If you look into what’s happening, there is something causing it,” Mr. Trump remarked.
When asked about the possibility of his administration discontinuing certain vaccines, he replied: “It could, if I think it’s dangerous, if I believe they are not beneficial, but I don’t anticipate it being particularly controversial in the end.”
Concerning whether he believes childhood autism is linked to vaccines, Mr. Trump stated: “No, I’m going to be listening to Bobby,” referring to Mr. Kennedy.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has opposed both state and federal Covid-19 restrictions
Mr. Trump expressed considerable respect for Mr. Kennedy and his perspectives on vaccinations.
“He doesn’t oppose vaccinations in general; he likely disagrees with some specific ones,” Mr. Trump explained.
Mr. Kennedy has faced criticism for promoting false medical claims, including theories connecting vaccines to autism.
He has also opposed state and federal Covid-19 restrictions and has been accused of spreading misinformation regarding the virus.
While disputing the anti-vaccine label, he chaired the Children’s Health Defense, a nonprofit organization focused on anti-vaccine messaging.
Mr. Trump was queried about whether he concurred with Mr. Kennedy on a vaccine-autism link.
“I want to see the numbers,” he said. “At the conclusion of our studies, which we are pursuing vigorously, we will determine what’s beneficial and what’s not.”
Trump critiques Ukraine’s use of US missiles
Additionally, Mr. Trump criticized Ukraine’s use of US-supplied missiles in attacks deep within Russian territory, suggesting he would change US policy toward Ukraine.
“It’s outrageous what’s occurring. It’s outrageous. I strongly disagree with sending missiles hundreds of miles into Russia.”
“Why are we permitting this? We’re merely escalating this conflict and exacerbating the situation.”
“That should never have been allowed to occur,” he stated.
Last month, President Joe Biden lifted the US ban on Ukraine’s use of US-supplied longer-range missiles for strikes deep inside Russia, marking his latest effort to support Ukraine in its fight against a Russian invasion.
US president-elect Donald Trump recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron over the past weekend.
This decision followed urgent requests from President Zelensky.
The White House cited Russia’s deployment of 15,000 North Korean troops along the battlefront as a key factor influencing Mr. Biden’s shift in stance.
Mr. Trump expressed his desire to swiftly conclude the nearly three-year-old conflict.
He told Time that he has a “very good plan” to achieve this, but did not want to disclose it, stating that doing so would render it “almost a worthless plan”.
Mr. Trump, who will assume office on January 20, met with Mr. Zelensky and President Macron in Paris last weekend.
He acknowledged to Time that the casualty rates in the conflict are untenable.
“I’m referring to fatalities on both sides. It’s mutually beneficial for both parties to resolve this matter,” he remarked.
