2024 Newsmakers of the Year: Readers’ Choice from Epoch Times

The year 2024 will stand out in history as a period of significant change, characterized by major political transformations, remarkable technological advancements, and inspiring tales of leadership and perseverance. Amidst this environment, select individuals rose to prominence, capturing global attention and guiding the direction of society.

These influential figures, whose battles and successes were closely monitored throughout the year, were identified in a poll of 6,367 Epoch Times readers as the top newsmakers of 2024.

U.S. Newsmaker of the Year: Donald Trump

Donald Trump, the president-elect, achieved an impressive victory as The Epoch Times’ U.S. Newsmaker of the Year, obtaining 96.9 percent of first-choice votes, underscoring the magnitude of his political resurgence in 2024. In a year filled with turmoil, Trump remained a dominant figure in the news cycle, redefined the political arena, and reinforced his reputation as a pivotal agent in U.S. politics.

Following a landmark election where he won both the Electoral College and the popular vote, Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025. His return to the presidency coincides with a crucial moment for the nation as it faces economic hardships and global uncertainties.

The path back to the White House for Trump involved significant obstacles, including various legal challenges and two assassination attempts, showcasing his tenacity, the steadfast devotion of his supporters, and the lasting power of his campaign slogan: “Make America Great Again.”

Trump has presented an ambitious agenda for his upcoming term, promising quick implementation. His objectives include significant reductions in the federal workforce, mass deportations of illegal immigrants, enhanced border security, the reverse of transgender policies in education, clemency for many individuals detained on January 6, a boost in domestic energy production, and sweeping tariffs on foreign goods.

“I aim to seal the border, and I want to drill, drill, drill,” Trump recently stated, summarizing his primary goals for the first 100 days in office.

His fervent commitment to renewing America’s greatness—and his striking resurgence against significant hurdles—has drawn media focus. Trump was named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year,” marking the second time in a decade he has received this accolade.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. came in second in The Epoch Times’ poll, followed by Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, each of whom significantly influenced this year’s political narrative.

Kennedy’s unexpected decision to withdraw from his independent presidential campaign and endorse Trump received substantial media coverage, along with his subsequent appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Meanwhile, Harris’s notable yet unsuccessful presidential campaign caught national attention, while Biden’s administration dealt with pivotal global events, such as the U.S. response to the Russia–Ukraine and Israel–Hamas wars.

The write-in candidates for U.S. Newsmaker of the Year highlighted a diverse range of influential individuals who made significant impacts in U.S. political and cultural landscapes in 2024.

Elon Musk distinguished himself through his continuous impact on innovation and public conversation, while Vice President-elect JD Vance and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy appeared as emerging voices reshaping the political sphere. Tulsi Gabbard and Tucker Carlson emphasized the ongoing influence of unique and vocal public figures who continue to shape political and cultural discourse in the United States.

International Newsmaker of the Year: Javier Milei

Argentinian President Javier Milei was overwhelmingly chosen as The Epoch Times’ International Newsmaker of the Year, receiving 76.6 percent of first-choice votes. Milei’s strong leadership and daring economic reforms resonated significantly with readers, cementing his status as a global figure representing libertarian principles and fiscal responsibility.

Upon taking office in November 2023, Argentina was facing dire economic circumstances: with monthly inflation rates around 25 percent, a poverty rate surpassing 40 percent, a fiscal deficit amounting to 15 percent of GDP, and an economy in decline.

Since then, Milei has rolled out substantial reforms designed to stabilize the economy, trimming bureaucratic inefficiencies, cutting government expenditures by 30 percent, and rebalancing trade. These policies have swiftly brought down inflation to a monthly rate of 2.4 percent, leading the country to its first budget surplus in over ten years and garnering global attention as a paragon of financial recovery.

“We have emerged from the crucible,” Milei recently proclaimed to Argentinians. “We are exiting the desert, the recession is behind us, and our nation has finally started to grow.”

Milei’s leadership has also instigated a cultural shift, with his discourse on freedom and individual accountability challenging long-established socialist principles in Argentina. By dismantling bureaucratic inefficiencies and advocating for free-market policies, Milei has redefined national discussions, igniting debates about the future of governance and economic autonomy.

The runners-up for International Newsmaker of the Year represented an eclectic array of global leaders making substantial impacts.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earned the second position for his ongoing leadership in elevating the world’s largest democracy and achieving a historic reelection. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum came in third, celebrated for her groundbreaking success as Mexico’s first female president, with her party securing a supermajority to facilitate contentious constitutional reforms.

The write-in candidates portrayed a vast spectrum of leaders acknowledged by readers for their profound effects on global issues in 2024.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received recognition for successfully managing the complexities brought on by the Israel–Hamas conflict, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remained a symbol of endurance amidst his nation’s ongoing conflict with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin also appeared among write-ins, highlighting his enduring influence on global politics.

Donald Trump was similarly noted in the write-in list for International Newsmaker of the Year, reflecting his impact on conservative movements worldwide, shaping discussions around trade, immigration, and national sovereignty.

Innovation Newsmaker of the Year: Elon Musk

Elon Musk emerged at the forefront of innovation in 2024, securing 96.5 percent of first-choice votes to become The Epoch Times’ Innovation Newsmaker of the Year.

Under Musk’s leadership, SpaceX achieved new milestones in reusable space travel by utilizing metal pincers to catch a Starship booster, while Neuralink made history with its first human brain chip implant. Additionally, under Musk’s direction, Tesla maintained its position as the leader in electric vehicles, further solidifying his influence across various sectors.

Beyond his eye-catching feats, Musk also led progress in renewable energy and transportation infrastructure. In 2024, Tesla began manufacturing prototype battery cells equipped with dry cathode technology, a breakthrough which promises notable cost savings and the potential for more affordable electric vehicles. Moreover, Musk’s Starlink satellite network reached a significant milestone in global internet connectivity, enabling high-speed access to underserved regions and creating economic prospects in remote areas.

The runners-up for Innovation Newsmaker of the Year included Jensen Huang, who propelled advancements in artificial intelligence at Nvidia, and Sam Altman of OpenAI, whose contributions sparked essential dialogues regarding the ethics of AI. Mads Krogsgaard from Novo Nordisk was also acknowledged for transformative innovations in healthcare.

The write-in candidates uncovered a diverse array of innovators who left a mark in 2024, including figures like Alex Karp of Palantir and Vivek Ramaswamy, exemplifying the confluence of technology, leadership, and cultural influence.

Sports Newsmaker of the Year: Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark’s rapid ascent in 2024 significantly transformed women’s basketball in the U.S., earning her 45.9 percent of first-choice votes as The Epoch Times’ Sports Newsmaker of the Year.

Clark’s extraordinary skills and dynamic presence on the court have significantly amplified the popularity and viewership of women’s basketball, often referred to as the “Caitlin Clark effect.”

Throughout her collegiate career, Clark’s games drew remarkable audiences. The 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship, featuring Clark, became the most-watched women’s college basketball game ever, drawing in an average of 9.9 million viewers.

Upon concluding her record-breaking college career, Clark joined the Indiana Fever as the top overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, making an immediate impact on television ratings. She helped guide the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2017, captivating fans with her impressive shooting skills and playmaking ability.