In a stunning political comeback, Donald Trump has won the U.S. presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the White House. The polarizing Republican’s victory, reported on Wednesday, marks a significant moment in American politics, sending shockwaves across the globe.
Trump’s path to victory, shaped by one of the most divisive campaigns in recent memory, was particularly notable. Despite facing an unprecedented criminal conviction, surviving an assassination attempt, and being publicly labeled a “fascist” by a former chief of staff, he managed to resonate with voters looking for a fresh direction.
Calling it a “victory like our country has never seen before,” Trump celebrated with supporters in Florida.
Harris, who entered the race in July after President Joe Biden announced his retirement, campaigned on a centrist platform. She highlighted Trump’s divisive language and his history of inflammatory statements. Still, Trump’s hardline views on immigration and his isolationist stance appealed to voters weary of the post-COVID economic challenges and eager for change after the Biden years.
Though the election was expected to be a nail-biter, Trump won decisively, sweeping critical swing states such as Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. He now becomes the first president in over a century to win a non-consecutive second term and the only president elected with a criminal conviction — he faces sentencing for fraud on November 26.
Now 78, Trump is poised to become the oldest sitting president during his term, surpassing Biden, who steps down at 82.
Foreign Policy and Economic Impact
Trump’s win has already had international ripple effects. The U.S. dollar surged, Bitcoin hit record highs, and equity markets rose as investors embraced his victory.
However, Trump’s return to office comes with promises of bold policy shifts both at home and abroad. Known for his “America First” agenda, Trump’s foreign policy could have far-reaching consequences. He has indicated he might press Ukraine to make territorial concessions to Russia to end the conflict. His threats of mass deportations have also sparked concerns across Latin America. Trump’s climate-skeptical stance could reverse many of Biden’s environmental policies, raising concerns for global climate goals.
Foreign leaders were quick to respond, with messages of congratulations pouring in from allies like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced hopes that Trump’s “impressive victory” might aid Ukraine in finding peace, despite anticipated cuts to U.S. military aid. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also expressed cautious optimism, hoping Trump’s leadership would strengthen the alliance.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined other well-wishers, while French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to collaborate with Trump with “respect and ambition.”
A Showman’s Return
Despite a campaign marked by grievances, insults, and extreme rhetoric, Trump’s showman instincts remained strong. His unscripted, everyman moments — like an appearance at a McDonald’s drive-thru and a surprise news conference from a garbage truck — played well online, amplifying his populist appeal.
Trump also leaned into tax cuts, deregulation, and tariffs aimed at bolstering U.S. manufacturing. His style was combative, often overshadowed by colorful language and charged imagery, yet it resonated with his loyal base and working-class voters affected by inflation.
Vice President Harris entered the race with a focus on unity, abortion rights, and warnings about threats to democracy. Her initial success in closing the polling gap and outpacing Trump in fundraising showed promise. However, she ultimately fell short of becoming the first Black woman elected to the White House.
As Trump prepares for his second non-consecutive term, his victory highlights an American political landscape deeply divided and primed for dramatic shifts in domestic and foreign policy.
