Donald J. Trump’s victorious return to the White House marked a historic political comeback when he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency of the United States of America in an insidious 2024 presidential election that saw him garner the much-needed 270 electoral votes. This victory makes Trump the 47th president of the United States in a manner quite unique and unprecedented, except for Grover Cleveland, to have two non-sequential terms as president. For his supporters, it was a great mandate for his proposed policies since Trump was promising a “golden age of America.”
Trump surged after winning one of the critical battlegrounds: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. These states absolutely fought bitterly during the campaign. The businessman celebrated his victory with members of his family and hundreds of supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, offering words of continuity to “heal the country,” as he himself said, returning it to what he considered “traditional American values.”
It is pegged on core issues like ensuring border security, strict immigration policy, and educational reforms. Trump repeated pledges to further fortify the United States-Mexico border and reimpose strict deportation laws in order to cut illegal immigration and secure the border. His education policy proposals also proved contentious, particularly his promise to “withhold federal funding from institutions that openly express hatred for radical ideologies.” That focus resonated with conservative voters who feel public education is on the wrong track in America.
America’s values and America’s future are under threat,” he declared at a rally, reinforcing his mission of restoring what he describes as the “foundations” of the country. He spoke of restoring what he labeled American ideals and promised to be a president “for all Americans,” even though the election itself was highly polarized.
A Trump comeback would represent a singular moment in U.S. history, as he is the only other president besides Cleveland to win non-consecutive terms. He has still managed to show his enduring force on American politics despite a divisive legacy. He will be joined in the ticket by Ohio Senator JD Vance as vice president. Vance is a bestseller author of the memoir Hillbilly Elegy and a military veteran; his worldview blends perfectly with the America First vision led by Trump, representing values of resiliency and traditionalism in nature.
Reactions by world leaders came fast and furious, including many congratulations, hoping now or in the near term for better diplomatic relations. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, herself also a far-right leader, immediately extended her best wishes. She said that she looked forward to working with Trump in future co-operative work between the U.S. and Italy. Similarly, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Trump’s victory, which saw the most important relationship over recent years-that of the U.S.-India relationship-become more profound as regards trade and technology.
These certainly underpin an appeal that Trump has to conservative leadership worldwide: to align with the U.S. policy in support of national sovereignty and economic strength.
At 78, Trump, if he wins, would have the record of being the oldest person ever to assume the U.S. presidency, beating his own current record previously set by Joe Biden. His age had been an issue in his campaign for a very long time, with critics wondering whether he could physically and mentally handle the demands of the office. But Trump’s demanding campaign schedule across the country he said, and an energetic public appearance have helped him counter concerns about his fitness for office. “I’m as strong as ever,” he said, during a rally addressing his age.
Trump’s doctors also certified his physical vigor, and his supporters expressed every confidence in his leadership role, politically touting his stamina and “battle-tested” experience as an asset to the White House. Age, however, is likely to be debated throughout his presidency, even as people speculate whether he will serve out the entire four-year term. The second term of Trump is a mixture of anticipation and trepidation: for his supporters, reconquest means the possibility to re-establish conservative principles and turn the country back to previous policies; for them, this will be a period of economic prosperity and enhanced national security. Others are less optimistic about the possibility of his “healing the country,” given the divisive nature of his action and rhetoric.
