In a stunning political comeback, former U.S. President Donald Trump has been elected to the White House once again, four years after being voted out of office. Trump’s victory caps a divisive campaign marked by dark rhetoric and deep polarization, with analysts expecting his administration to test both democratic institutions in the United States and its relationships abroad.
“America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” Trump declared to an enthusiastic crowd at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida early Wednesday, following his victory in Wisconsin, which pushed him past the required 270 electoral votes. As of early morning, Trump had amassed 279 electoral votes against Vice President Kamala Harris’s 223, with some states still counting votes. Trump’s margin also extended to the popular vote, where he led Harris by about 5 million votes.
Trump, 78, defied predictions that his political career was over after the January 6 Capitol riot. “He swept away challengers inside his own party and then capitalized on voter concerns about inflation and crime,” remarked political scientist Alan Abramowitz of Emory University. Trump’s message of economic insecurity and criticism of illegal immigration struck a chord with many Americans, especially among rural, white, and non-college-educated voters.
The political climate grew tense as Harris, running to replace her former boss Joe Biden, struggled to gain traction on the economy and crime issues. Harris had warned that Trump sought “unchecked presidential power” and posed “a threat to democracy,” sentiments echoed by other Democratic figures. Her campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond assured supporters that they would press on, stating, “We still have votes to count,” at a midnight gathering at Howard University.
Trump’s second term could lead to major shifts in U.S. policy, including trade, immigration, and climate change. He has pledged aggressive tariffs on imports, particularly from China, and a large-scale deportation initiative targeting undocumented immigrants. Trump has also stated his intent to “drain the swamp” by removing federal employees he deems disloyal, a move his opponents fear could undermine the impartiality of U.S. federal agencies.
The stock market surged on news of Trump’s win, with the dollar set for its largest single-day rise since 2020. U.S. voters identified jobs and the economy as their primary concerns, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, which reflected a growing frustration with inflation despite low unemployment and a record-high stock market.
Harris’s loss marks a setback for the Democratic Party, particularly following Biden’s withdrawal from the race after a challenging debate performance. “Biden’s departure placed tremendous pressure on Harris to reenergize Democrats in just 15 weeks,” said strategist James Carville, “and though she rallied significant support, it wasn’t enough.”
Elon Musk, CEO of X (formerly Twitter), significantly contributed to Trump’s campaign with $100 million in funding and substantial amplification of pro-Trump messaging on his platform. Trump has praised Musk, suggesting he may offer him a role in the new administration.
Trump’s reelection underscores the continued rift in American society. Nearly three-quarters of voters believe American democracy is “under threat,” according to exit polls from Edison Research. Trump’s return to the White House promises to intensify debates over race, immigration, and education, with the potential for even greater polarization.
As he prepares to take office with U.S. Senator JD Vance as his Vice President, Trump has vowed to prioritize loyalty within his administration, stating he would “reshape the executive branch” to ensure allegiance to his agenda. In one of his final speeches, he promised roles in his administration to both Musk and former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reinforcing his campaign theme of loyalty and restructuring.
