Donald Trump, 78, has been re-elected as U.S. president in a stunning political comeback, clinching the presidency with a narrow win in Wisconsin to surpass the 270 electoral vote threshold. This marks Trump’s second term in office, following a heated campaign where he prevailed over Kamala Harris, who stepped in as the Democratic candidate after Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal in July. Despite low approval ratings, legal controversies, and two assassination attempts during his campaign, Trump energized his base, winning over 5 million more votes than Harris.
Riding on voter concerns over economic issues and immigration, Trump’s platform resonated with many Americans frustrated by high prices. The former president’s win underscores the country’s deepening political divides. International reactions have been mixed, with leaders worldwide taking note of the potential impacts on trade, climate policy, and global stability.
Harris, the first Black woman to lead a presidential ticket, faced challenges in rallying enough support to counter Trump’s widespread appeal to conservative voters. Her campaign highlighted the potential threats to democratic norms under Trump’s leadership, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked power.
With Republicans securing the Senate and both parties in a tight contest for the House, the new administration’s direction promises to reshape the U.S. political landscape and reignite debates on pressing issues from immigration to economic reform.