PALM BEACH, Florida/WASHINGTON. Donald Trump secured a dramatic return to the White House on Wednesday after a decisive electoral win, as millions of Americans put aside his legal battles and divisive rhetoric to choose a leader who promises to test the boundaries of presidential authority.
At age 78, Trump clinched the election following a turbulent campaign season marked by assassination attempts and Kamala Harris’s late entry into the race after President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal. Despite polls suggesting a tight race, Trump emerged victorious in at least five of the seven key battleground states, securing over 270 Electoral College votes. In an unexpected development, Trump was also poised to be the first Republican candidate in two decades to win the popular vote.
In her concession speech delivered at Howard University, her alma mater, Harris offered words of comfort to her supporters, saying, “To everyone who is watching, do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves.” Although Harris pledged her support for a smooth transition, she reiterated her commitment to the ideals her campaign championed: “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign—the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people.”
Biden, who announced his support for a smooth transition, is expected to address the nation on Thursday at 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT).
Trump’s victory marked a wave of conservative gains. Republicans regained control of the Senate and expanded their majority in the House of Representatives, setting the stage for sweeping legislative reforms. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell celebrated, stating, “It was a hell of a good day.”
As the U.S. stock market surged, Trump addressed a packed crowd at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, declaring, “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate.”
Policies with Far-Reaching Consequences
Trump’s victory reignites a series of controversial proposals, including measures to empower federal agencies against perceived adversaries, political rivals, and civil servants he views as disloyal. He also announced plans to appoint Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to prominent roles, with Musk having contributed over $119 million to Trump’s campaign.
Analysts anticipate that Trump’s proposals on trade and taxes could prompt fresh confrontations with global allies and further balloon the national debt. “We respect the choice of the American people and congratulate Mr. Trump on his election as president,” a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump’s “peace through strength” message, though the Kremlin indicated a cautious wait-and-see approach.
In discussions with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Trump highlighted mutual concerns about North Korea’s military provocations. Yoon later expressed hope for an enhanced security alliance with the incoming administration.
Trump’s renewed emphasis on immigration enforcement and mass deportation campaigns, alongside his support from rural, white, non-college-educated voters, played a critical role in securing his victory. With bolstered support from women and Hispanics impacted by inflation, Trump’s base delivered a striking win for the twice-impeached former president, setting the stage for a contentious and transformative second term.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
