From politics and innovation to sports and global leadership, these individuals were chosen by The Epoch Times’ readers as the most influential figures of 2024.
The year 2024 will be remembered as one of profound transformation, marked by seismic political shifts, groundbreaking technological innovation, and powerful stories of leadership and resilience. Against this backdrop, certain individuals emerged as key figures, captivating the world and steering its course.
These newsmakers, whose challenges and triumphs were closely watched this year, were chosen in a survey of 6,367 Epoch Times readers as the most significant of 2024.
US Newsmaker of the Year: Donald Trump
President-elect Donald Trump’s resounding victory as The Epoch Times’ U.S. Newsmaker of the Year—garnering 96.9 percent of first-choice votes—reflects the significance of his political comeback in 2024. In a year marked by upheaval, Trump dominated headlines, reshaped the political landscape, and cemented his status as a transformative figure in U.S. politics.
After a historic election in which he won both the Electoral College and the popular vote, Trump is poised to become the 47th president of the United States when he takes the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2025. His return to the presidency comes at a critical time as the nation grapples with economic struggles and global instability.
Trump’s journey back to the White House was marked by extraordinary challenges, including multiple legal battles and two assassination attempts, underscoring his resilience, the unwavering loyalty of his political base, and the enduring appeal of his rallying cry: “Make America Great Again.”
Trump has outlined an ambitious agenda for his second term, which he has promised to implement swiftly. His plans include sharp reductions in the federal workforce, mass deportations of illegal immigrants, strengthened border security, a rollback of transgender policies in education, pardons for many Jan. 6 detainees, a surge in domestic energy production, and sweeping tariffs on foreign imports.
“I want to close the border, and I want to drill, drill, drill,” Trump said recently, encapsulating key priorities for his first 100 days back in office.
Trump’s rousing pledge to restore America’s greatness—and his dramatic path back to power in the face of great challenges—has galvanized media attention. Trump was named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year,” marking the second time in the past decade that he has received the honor.
By Tom Ozimek
