In a historic and dramatic turn in U.S. politics, Donald Trump is poised to return to the White House four years after his departure, with American voters overwhelmingly granting him a second term.
The campaign trail was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by two assassination attempts and the unexpected withdrawal of his initial opponent, President Joe Biden, just months before election day.
While ballots are still being counted, Trump’s lead in critical battleground states indicates strong support, with voters frequently highlighting economic issues and immigration as top priorities influencing their decision. This unprecedented election marks a significant comeback for Trump and a defining moment in American political history.
Donald Trump’s path back to the White House follows a dramatic fall from power. After his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 election, Trump famously rejected the outcome, and his actions to contest the results are still under intense investigation.
He also faces criminal charges for allegedly encouraging the violent January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and he’s made history as the first sitting president to be convicted of a felony, following a verdict that found him guilty of falsifying business records.
Unsurprisingly, Trump remains one of the nation’s most polarizing figures. His campaign was marked by provocative language, with blunt remarks and pointed threats aimed at his political adversaries, reinforcing the divide among voters.
His message on the economy touched a chord
Opinions on Donald Trump are starkly divided, with few voters occupying a neutral stance. Many people I spoke to during the campaign admitted they wished he would tone down his abrasive language, but they set those feelings aside to focus on the larger issues he raised.
At every rally, Trump posed a question that resonated deeply: “Are you better off now than you were two years ago?”
Over and over, Trump supporters told me they remembered a stronger economy during his presidency and were tired of struggling to make ends meet. Although many factors, like the COVID-19 pandemic, had contributed to rising inflation, frustration with the current administration was evident.
Illegal immigration was another pressing concern for many voters, who were troubled by record numbers of undocumented entries under Biden’s term. They generally didn’t endorse Trump’s exaggerated claims or the sensational rhetoric about migrants. Instead, they voiced a desire for much stricter border enforcement.
‘America first’ for a second Trump term
The slogan “America First” resonated widely across the political spectrum in this election. Many voters, from both left and right, expressed frustration with the billions spent on supporting Ukraine, arguing that the funds could be better invested domestically.
Ultimately, they couldn’t bring themselves to vote for Harris, who served as Biden’s vice president. For these voters, Harris represented a continuation of the status quo, and they felt ready for change.
It’s a twist of irony that the candidate embodying this call for change is someone who held office just four years ago. Yet, several distinctions mark his return.
In 2016, Trump entered Washington as a political outsider, relying initially on a team of seasoned political insiders who could navigate him through the complex systems of governance and, at times, temper his impulses. This time, however, he seems less inclined to conform to conventional expectations.
Many of those former advisors have publicly criticized him, calling him a “liar,” “unfit,” and even a “fascist.” They warn that, with a new inner circle likely composed of staunch loyalists, there may be few checks on his more extreme ideas.
Trump’s exit from office was shadowed by several legal battles, including criminal charges connected to the Capitol riots, alleged mishandling of sensitive national documents, and payments related to hush money.
Since the Supreme Court has ruled that a sitting president enjoys total immunity from prosecution for official acts while in office, any legal challenges against Trump during his next term could face significant hurdles. Additionally, as president, he could direct the Justice Department to drop the federal charges related to the January 6 Capitol riots, effectively eliminating the risk of prison time. He could also issue pardons for hundreds of individuals convicted in connection with the riots.
In this election, voters were confronted with two starkly contrasting visions for America. Trump portrayed a country in decline, one that only he could restore to greatness. He promised to bring back strength and stability, assuring supporters that he alone could fix the problems they saw.
Conversely, Harris warned that a Trump victory could put American democracy itself at risk. Whether this warning will come to pass remains uncertain, but Trump’s campaign rhetoric has done little to ease the concerns of those who fear a more divisive era ahead.
Throughout his campaign, Trump praised strongman leaders like Vladimir Putin of Russia and Kim Jong Un of North Korea, describing them as being “at the top of their game, whether you like it or not.” He also openly discussed curbing the media’s freedom, going as far as implying, just days before the election, that he wouldn’t be concerned if journalists were harmed.
Despite his own victory, Trump continued to fuel unfounded claims of election fraud and pushed conspiracy theories that resonated with his base. Now, Americans will face the reality of whether his campaign rhetoric was just his characteristic “Trump being Trump,” or whether he truly intends to follow through on his words.
And it’s not just Americans who will be impacted by a second Trump presidency. The world will feel the effects of his “America First” agenda. Trump has proposed 20% tariffs on imports that could have sweeping economic consequences and has promised to withdraw U.S. involvement in the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East—no matter who claims victory on those fronts.
In his first term, Trump didn’t manage to fully realize many of his ambitions. But now, with a fresh mandate and fewer constraints, both the United States and the world will soon see the extent of what he intends to achieve.
SOURCE: BBC
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