Donald Trump Is Time's Person Of The Year: Here's A Look Back At His Most Iconic Moments In 2024

From the moment Donald Trump descended the golden escalator to announce his presidential bid in 2015, his journey has been nothing short of epic.

Through debates, tweets, controversies, and comebacks, Trump has not just navigated but reshaped the political landscape. Let's rewind through the year's highlights, where Trump didn't just make headlines; he made history.

The Mugshot That Broke the Internet

First up, we've got the mugshot that went so viral, it could've been mistaken for a new meme template. Trump's steely gaze from behind bars didn't just define defiance; it redefined cool. Critics tried to spin it with the "you voted for a felon" line, but let's be honest, if there was ever a felon you wanted to vote for, it was Trump.

The Debate That Changed the Game

Then came the debate with Joe Biden, which was less of a debate and more like watching elder abuse. Trump's performance was so dominant, so sharp, and so satisfying it was like watching a political thriller where the hero outwits the senile villain. Biden's decision to drop out shortly after wasn't just a political move; it was a survival instinct kicking in.

The Missed Shot Heard Around the World

In a scene that could've been straight out of an action movie, Trump survived an assassination attempt with the grace of a true leader, telling America to "Fight!" in a moment that rallied the nation, with blood splattered across his face no less. It was a rare, terrifyingly high-stakes moment that gave us a much-needed reminder about the courage of the true American spirit.

Honoring Corey Comparatore

Donald Trump honored Corey Comparatore, the husband, father, and firefighter who was killed during the failed assassination attempt. During his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, Trump kissed Corey's firefighter helmet and called for a posthumous award in Corey's name, acknowledging his sacrifice and urging the nation to remember his heroism, thereby ensuring Corey's legacy as a true American hero would endure.

The RFK Alliance

The teaming up with RFK Jr., with golden fireworks painting the sky, was not just a political move but a cinematic one. It was like watching two mavericks with their outsider appeal join forces for a greater good, their announcement lit up by the kind of fireworks you'd expect at a victory parade.

This partnership not only captured the public's interest but also served as a lifeline for those on the left who felt alienated by the Democrats' increasingly extreme and corrupt direction. Bringing together a diverse team including Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, and RFK Jr. was akin to watching the political version of the Avengers assemble, promising a new era of dynamic collaboration.

The Golden Arches

And who could forget Trump trolling Kamala Harris at McDonald's on her birthday? It was part political statement, part comedy sketch. Imagine the scene: Trump, with his trademark smirk, serving Big Macs while Kamala's campaign seemed to shrink smaller with every bite. It was a masterclass in turning her sad attempt to seem relatable into an unforgettable meme.

Trash Talk Gets Real

And then there was the trash truck incident, where Trump perfected trolling as an art form. Parading around with a garbage truck after Biden called Trump supporters trash and unsuccessfully tried to take it back was the kind of political humor that had everyone from D.C. to your local diner laughing. It wasn't just a jab; it was performance art.

The UFC Belt - Symbol of Triumph

In yet another iconic moment, Donald Trump was honored with what might be considered the ultimate symbol of victory in the modern era - a UFC championship belt, presented by none other than the legendary Jon Jones. Known for his dominance in the octagon, Jones added a touch of humor to the ceremony by performing the "Trump Dance," a playful homage to Trump's "YMCA" dance moves, blending the worlds of politics and sports in a moment of pure, unscripted entertainment.

A Real Life Rocky

To cap off a year that seemed straight out of a Hollywood script, Sylvester Stallone, the embodiment of the underdog spirit through his iconic character Rocky Balboa, made a surprise appearance at Mar-a-Lago. With the grandeur of the estate as a backdrop, Stallone drew parallels between Trump and George Washington, highlighting Trump's leadership, bravery, and his fight against political elites akin to Washington's battle for independence.

Stallone's speech was nothing short of cinematic, comparing Trump's journey to that of Rocky, emphasizing how both figures never gave up, even when the odds were stacked against them. He spoke of Trump’s relentless drive, likening it to the heart of a true champion, someone who, like Washington, would stand firm for the ideals of his nation, regardless of the personal cost.

Closing Thoughts

Here's to TIME's Person of the Year, a man who manages to turn every moment and tweet into something everyone talks about. And cheers to many more epic moments in 2025.