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- Trump’s victory driven by voter concerns over the economy and immigration.
- His second term may reshape U.S. government and increase political division.
- Kamala Harris falls short, having warned about threats to democracy.
PALM BEACH, Florida (Reuters) – In a stunning political comeback, Donald Trump has been elected president once again, four years after his defeat in 2020. His victory is seen as a decisive moment in American politics, likely to challenge democratic institutions and impact international relations.
Trump, at 78, secured the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency. Edison Research projects he surpassed this threshold early Wednesday, following a divisive campaign that amplified political polarization. Trump’s win was cemented with a critical victory in Wisconsin, pushing him to 279 electoral votes compared to Kamala Harris’s 223. Trump also led Harris by about 5 million votes in the popular vote.
Related: USA election results 2024
In his victory speech, Trump declared, “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” as his supporters cheered wildly at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida.
Trump’s victory came despite the political chaos surrounding him, including his false claims of election fraud, which led to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. But his ability to secure the Republican nomination and address concerns about the economy and immigration helped him reclaim the White House.
Harris, Vice President under Joe Biden, was unable to galvanize enough support, falling short in her bid to keep the presidency in Democratic hands. She did not speak to her supporters, and her campaign co-chair mentioned there were still votes to count.
Key Issues Driving Trump’s Victory:
- Economy and Immigration: Many voters, frustrated by rising prices and inflation, turned to Trump as a solution, despite his low approval ratings. His claims about increasing crime from illegal immigration resonated with voters.
- Political Polarization: Trump’s rhetoric deepened the country’s divisions. He ran a campaign with apocalyptic language, frequently attacking Harris and immigrants, which fueled his loyal base of rural, white, non-college-educated voters.
Implications of a Trump Second Term:
- Policy Impact: Trump’s second presidency could bring drastic changes to U.S. trade policies, particularly with China, and his promises to reduce corporate taxes may increase the national debt. He has also vowed to tackle immigration with aggressive deportations.
- Reshaping Government: Trump has signaled plans to reshape the executive branch, dismissing civil servants who do not align with his views, and using federal agencies to investigate political enemies.
- Divisions within the U.S.: Trump’s return to the presidency will likely exacerbate divisions, especially on issues like race, gender, and abortion rights. Many fear his vision will further polarize the nation.
Harris had warned throughout the campaign that Trump’s political power could jeopardize American democracy. She emphasized that his approach posed a direct threat to democratic values, a concern echoed by many voters.
Despite a series of legal challenges and controversies, including being impeached twice and indicted four times, Trump is only the second former president to win a second term after leaving office, following Grover Cleveland’s re-election in 1893.
Trump’s second presidency could bring significant shifts in American politics, with impacts felt both domestically and internationally.
Trump’s Impact on Global and Domestic Markets: Following his victory, global stock markets saw significant gains, and the dollar experienced its biggest jump since 2020.
The Road to the Election: Trump’s victory came after a highly unconventional campaign. Biden’s decision to step aside from the race allowed Harris to become the Democratic nominee. Despite a late push from Harris, including raising over $1 billion in just three months, Trump’s campaign was bolstered by massive support from his base and financial backing from figures like Elon Musk.
As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, 2025, with Senator JD Vance as his vice president, his political future and the future of the country hang in the balance, promising a tumultuous period ahead.
