Donald Trump has been elected the 47th President of the United States, securing a remarkable return to power after his first term’s turbulent end. His victory caps a four-year journey marred by controversies, including a refusal to concede his prior defeat, a violent Capitol insurrection, felony convictions, and surviving two assassination attempts.
Trump clinched the presidency by winning Wisconsin, reaching the required 270 electoral votes. His combative approach resonated deeply with his base, fueling support with a fierce campaign against his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, whom he attacked in intensely personal terms. Trump’s rhetoric painted an apocalyptic vision of America, claiming it was overrun by violent migrants and dominated by social chaos. This stance found a strong following, particularly among men, in an increasingly polarized nation.
“Unprecedented mandate”
In a victory speech Wednesday morning, Trump proclaimed an “unprecedented and powerful mandate” from voters. The election season proved historically contentious, marked by Trump’s survival of two assassination attempts and the sudden replacement of Joe Biden with Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Harris, the first woman of color to lead a major party’s ticket, struggled to differentiate herself from the current administration’s challenges as Biden stepped aside amid concerns about his age.
Trump, now 78, becomes the oldest elected president and the first former president to reclaim office since Grover Cleveland in 1892. His running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, at 40, becomes one of the youngest vice presidents, representing the millennial generation in the highest ranks of American government.
Aggressive agenda
In his second term, Trump has pledged to reshape the federal government and pursue retribution against opponents. With most of his Republican critics in Congress sidelined, he faces fewer constraints. The Supreme Court, now including three Trump-appointed justices, recently ruled in favor of expanded presidential immunity from prosecution, further strengthening his position.
Trump’s victory reflects a national divide over democracy, as seen in a comprehensive survey showing many voters motivated by fears for democratic integrity. Harris campaigned hard on this theme, warning against Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. Yet Trump’s supporters, motivated by concerns over immigration and inflation, backed his hardline stance.
Violence and tumult on the campaign trail
The campaign’s climax was marked by a dramatic incident in July when a gunman fired at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, grazing Trump’s ear and killing a supporter. Despite blood streaking his face, Trump raised his fist defiantly to the crowd. Weeks later, Secret Service agents thwarted another assassination attempt while Trump was golfing, discovering a weapon in the bushes.
His return to the White House seemed improbable in early 2021, following his departure from Washington amid isolation and impeachment after the Capitol riot. Many dismissed him, but Trump maintained a stronghold from Mar-a-Lago, securing loyal Republican allies like Kevin McCarthy, who visited him shortly after he left office, affirming his continued influence.
Now, Trump enters his second term with sweeping plans to transform American governance, reinforce control, and settle scores, ushering in an era likely to be as divisive and consequential as his first.
