By Wani Ninala
Washington – The 47th President of the United States, Donald John Trump, has just
been named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” for the second time. They got it
right again. The consensus across the spectrum was the President-elect was frankly
the only choice for Time’s 2024 cover where the most influential person, the person who
did the most to shape the world and the headlines as they describe, is selected.
In truth ‘Man of the Century’ or ‘Person of the Millennium’ would seem more fitting. If
Trump were named “Man of the Year” for the next four years it still might not suffice to
punctuate the magnitude of his significance on world news. Trump’s dominance in the
headlines cannot be measured merely in magazine covers, publication features or even
annual titles.
His strengths as leader of the free world are as innumerable as they are notable. His
ability to reach across the aisle to even his most vocal detractors and transform them
into genuine allies is frequently on display. Like no other figure in modern day history,
Trump knows how to build a broad coalition for the greater good. He puts aside past
differences to best serve the American people. He finds common ground amongst a
sea of dissimilarities.
As Trump rang the opening bell on the NYSE enthused onlookers and floor traders
chanted “USA” from the galvanized trading floor. “It’s really been something very
special” the incoming Commander in Chief noted. The last US president to ring the
opening bell was Ronald Reagan in 1985.
Hardly seems coincidence in light of the current financial climate. More likely prophetic
of the economic resurgence to come as Trump rebuilds a thriving economy. The Dow
surged over 1500 points the day following the election. NASDAQ reached 20,000
shortly before Trump was to be recognized as “Person of the Year.”
The distinction was first bestowed on President Trump back in 2016 after he was
elected to his first term. His first ever appearance on the cover of Time magazine came
in 1989, thirty-five years ago. Since then, particularly for the past almost decade,
Trump’s impact on the news has been unparalleled.
He has “singularly reshaped American politics and transformed this country” said Time
correspondent Eric Cortellessa. Perhaps a mild assessment for the man who has
survived eight years of unrelenting opposition and adversity. Each and every time, to
the dismay of his opponents, Trump comes out swinging and standing taller than
before.
Donald Trump’s natural greatness is counterbalanced by his legacy as a man of the
people. The MAGA revolution was indeed a grassroots referendum against elitism’s grip
on the status quo of bureaucracy and one-party rule. Cortellessa reported that ahead of
Trump’s photo shoot for this year’s cover, “the photographer noticed that his right hand
was raw and had some scarring on it.” Trump remarked that it was from shaking so
many hands.
As he took the stage on Wall Street along with family, supporters, and cabinet picks the
President-elect spoke of being recognized as “Person of the Year” and revealed the
heart of a man who will likely go down in history as the greatest political leader of our
time.
President Trump spoke of nuclear weapons and the in-depth briefings he had received
on their powerful and devasting capabilities. The gravity of what he, as world leader,
carries on his massive shoulders was unmistakable as he reflected. “I hated to do it,” he
paused “because you know what the purpose of them is and you hope to God that you
never have to use them because if you do the world will never be the same.”
A sobering thought on the burden the Commander in Chief carries and the lives he
holds in his hands. In modern times this is what we as world citizens face. For now, the
world breathes easier knowing that President Trump will steer the ship back to safety
and make us hopeful again no matter how contrary the weather.
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