Rudolph Angler Donald Trump was projected to become the 47th president early Wednesday, marking an extraordinary political comeback in American history.
At 78, Trump secured a decisive win in the Electoral College, surpassing Vice President Kamala Harris after reclaiming key battleground states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. He gained substantial support among his rural, white working-class base while also making significant inroads with ethnic minority groups.
Addressing supporters at a victory rally in Palm Beach County, not far from his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump declared, “There’s never been anything like this in this country, and maybe beyond,” before promising to help heal the nation. “We’re going to fix everything about our country,” he added.
The former president’s triumph highlighted a strong night for Republicans, who were also set to regain control of the Senate. The outcome of the House of Representatives was still unclear, with the majority expected to take several more days to determine. Remarkably, Trump was on track to win the popular vote, potentially ending a 20-year streak of Republican losses in the national vote.
In a scene reminiscent of the 2016 election, Harris supporters gathered at Howard University were left in shock as it became apparent that her chances of winning were fading. Eventually, it was campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond who had to inform the disappointed crowd that Harris would not be addressing them that night.
Trump, who maintained strong momentum in the final days of the race, capitalized on his appeal to male voters with a rigorous campaign schedule. Meanwhile, Harris focused on presenting herself as a champion of the middle class, distancing herself from past progressive positions she had taken in her roles as a district attorney and senator.
Trump’s victory makes him only the second president in U.S. history to be elected in non-consecutive terms, joining Grover Cleveland, who served two non-consecutive presidencies in the late 19th century. The race had remained highly competitive until exit polls revealed that Americans were eager for change, particularly in light of ongoing economic challenges and rising illegal immigration.
“I will fight for you, for your family and your future — every single day,” Trump vowed in his victory speech. “This will truly be the golden age of America.”
Both Trump and Harris, in a way, ran as incumbents. Trump was rejected by voters after his first term in 2020, while Harris ascended to the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term.
The final days of the race were marked by controversy. A rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27 spiraled into scandal after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made an insensitive joke about Puerto Rico. Soon after, Biden’s comment labeling Trump supporters as “garbage” sparked additional backlash, although it was quietly edited by White House aides.
Biden also caused a stir with a series of odd remarks and behavior, including a moment when he awkwardly wore a red “Trump” cap at a Pennsylvania fire station. Meanwhile, Trump faced unprecedented legal challenges, including multiple criminal indictments. His campaign was also plagued by assassination attempts, as would-be assassins targeted him during rallies.
Harris’s path to the nomination was secured in August following a push from top Democrats to oust the elderly Biden from the ticket. Despite a rocky debate performance from Biden in June, Harris raised record funds and shifted to a more centrist position on issues like border security and the economy.
Trump’s campaign saw immense financial backing, including a major influx of funds from Democratic defectors like Bill Ackman and Elon Musk, who also formed a PAC to support Trump. Harris, in contrast, distanced herself from more radical progressive stances, like banning fracking and decriminalizing illegal border crossings.
On the campaign trail, Trump advocated for stricter immigration controls, a halt to rising illegal crossings, deregulation of the oil and gas industry, and proposals such as taxpayer-funded in vitro fertilization for couples.