Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States in a stunning political comeback, defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and securing the necessary 270 electoral votes. The victory, clinched with a win in Wisconsin, marks a remarkable turnaround for Trump, who was previously ousted from office after a contentious 2020 election.
At 5:45 a.m. ET, Trump had accumulated 279 electoral votes, while Harris, the first woman of color to head a major party ticket, had 223, with several states still to be counted. Trump’s performance in the election exceeded his 2020 results, while Harris struggled to match Joe Biden’s prior success, especially in key battleground states.
Trump, 78, addressed a jubilant crowd at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida, declaring his win an “unprecedented and powerful mandate.” Despite multiple legal challenges, including felony charges, two assassination attempts, and his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, Trump outperformed expectations. His victory came as a result of his appeal to voters frustrated by high prices, crime concerns, and illegal immigration.
Trump’s defeat of Harris marks the second time he has beaten a female rival in a general election. Harris struggled to galvanize enough support, failing to overcome Trump’s strong appeal among Hispanics, lower-income households, and his loyal base of rural, white voters.
Despite his low approval ratings, two impeachments, and multiple criminal charges, Trump’s political resilience was evident. He has now joined Grover Cleveland as the second president in U.S. history to win a second term after losing an earlier bid.
Trump’s win promises to have wide-reaching implications, including the potential for a renewed trade war with China, tax cuts, mass deportations, and changes to U.S. immigration and climate policies. He also indicated plans to reshape the executive branch, including firing disloyal civil servants and using federal law enforcement agencies to investigate his political adversaries.
Trump’s inauguration will take place on January 20, 2025, with his vice president, U.S. Senator JD Vance, joining him at the helm of the nation.
