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NEW YORK CITY – Just six months ago, Donald Trump was in a Manhattan courtroom, becoming the first former president convicted of a crime. On Thursday, he will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), located just blocks from that courthouse, and will be named Time magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year.
These honors for the businessman-turned-politician highlight the latest chapter in his complex relationship with New York City. They also symbolize Trump’s remarkable resurgence from an ostracized former president who contested his election loss four years ago to a decisive victory in November’s election that has made him president-elect once again.
According to sources familiar with his plans, Trump will be at Wall Street to ceremonially begin the trading day. Additionally, a source has confirmed that he will be named Time’s 2024 Person of the Year. The sources spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
This will be Trump’s second time earning the Person of the Year title; he was first honored in 2016 following his initial election to the White House. This year, he was listed as a finalist alongside figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, tech mogul Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Kate, Princess of Wales.
Time magazine declined to confirm Trump’s selection ahead of the official announcement. Last year, the title went to Taylor Swift, with the magazine’s CEO, Jessica Sibley, ringing the NYSE bell to mark the occasion.
The NYSE often invites celebrities and business leaders to participate in the 9:30 a.m. ceremonial opening, a tradition that reflects intersections of culture and politics. While this will be Trump’s first time ringing the bell, his wife, Melania Trump, performed the honor during his presidency to promote her “Be Best” children’s initiative.
Trump’s return to New York for the ceremonial start of the trading day adds to a series of visits he has made to the city this year. Aside from attending his trial in a downtown Manhattan courthouse, Trump has used photo ops at locations such as firehouses, construction sites, and bodegas to boost his public image. He also held a rally in the Bronx and ended his campaign with a high-energy event at Madison Square Garden. However, the rally drew criticism after speakers made offensive remarks.
Trump has a long-standing fascination with Time magazine, having first appeared on its cover in 1989. He has falsely claimed to hold the record for cover appearances and was once reported to have a fake Time cover featuring himself displayed at several of his golf clubs.
Over the years, Trump has cultivated his image as a real estate mogul, a reality TV star from The Apprentice, and a political leader. His 2024 election campaign focused on economic anxieties, which helped propel him to victory. Following his win, the stock market responded favorably: the S&P 500 rose 2.5% in its best day in nearly two years, the Dow Jones surged 3.6%, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 3%, all reaching record highs.
Trump often equates stock market performance with public approval and has suggested that his upcoming presidential term should be backdated to reflect the post-election market gains. His campaign promises include ambitious economic growth targets and a business-friendly approach to governance, with many appointees to his administration coming from the private sector.
The business community has welcomed his plans to reduce corporate taxes and ease regulations, but concerns remain over potential broad tariffs and actions against companies he deems politically opposed to him. Historically, the U.S. stock market has performed well regardless of which party occupies the White House, though Trump’s policies could significantly impact specific industries.
In the wake of his election win, Trump’s legal team is working to overturn his Manhattan conviction.
