Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year is influenced by Kendrick Lamar, Donald Trump, and Taylor Swift

In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump was named Time magazine's Person of the Year for 2024 following his victory in the recent presidential election. This announcement was made in early December 2024, coinciding with Trump's plans to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, marking a celebratory moment for his supporters. Trump's second recognition as Person of the Year follows his first in 2016 after his inaugural electoral win, highlighting a significant political journey that involved considerable controversy and fluctuating public opinion. After Trump's previous term was characterized by strife and political challenges, this honor denotes a notable political resurgence for him. Time's decision drew comparisons to Trump's first win, indicating the resilience of his political influence, which had waned at times throughout his prior tenure. In the announcement, Time magazine emphasized Trump’s ability to resonate with broad segments of the American population, stating that he effectively tapped into the prevailing sentiments and concerns of many voters. The magazine's editorial team reflected on his political rebirth, describing how he overcame challenges, including being shunned by many in his party during the aftermath of his last term. Trump’s return to the political forefront showcases the ongoing divisions in American society, where opinions about him remain deeply polarized across different voter demographics. Also noteworthy is the mention of other significant figures who were considered for the title, including Kamala Harris, Elon Musk, and Princess Kate Middleton, among others. This illustrates the competitive landscape in which Trump's name emerged as the most impactful for the year under review. Comparatively, previous Persons of the Year have included a range of leaders and cultural icons, highlighting the diversity of nominees and the criteria involved in these selections. The magazine’s tradition of awarding this title for various reasons—both positive and negative—has a long history, extending back several decades and capturing a broad spectrum of global events and personalities. Alongside the announcement of Trump as Person of the Year, Merriam-Webster revealed its Word of the Year as 'polarization,' underscoring the stark divisions within American politics today. Polling data shows a significant divide where a majority of voters view the opposing party's positions as extreme, directly reflecting the heightened political tension that characterizes current electoral discourse. The intersection of Trump’s recognition and the focus on 'polarization' encapsulates the challenging environment of U.S. politics in 2024, where supporters and critics alike emphasize their contrasting views on leadership and vision for the nation.