In a dramatic and unexpected return to the presidency, Donald J. Trump has defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, marking a unique comeback for the former president. Having left office in 2021 after an unsuccessful attempt to contest the 2020 results, Trump’s path to victory was marked by unprecedented challenges, including multiple indictments and a conviction. However, he declared on election night that his campaign had overcome obstacles “nobody ever thought we could,” promising to serve as a steadfast advocate for American families.
Trump’s win was projected by many after he claimed crucial battleground states—North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These victories gave him an estimated 276 electoral votes, narrowly surpassing the 270-vote threshold needed to secure the presidency. Votes were still being counted in Michigan, Nevada, and Arizona, but Trump’s lead solidified his victory. Exit polls revealed a strong showing among White voters without college degrees, and Trump notably gained support among Black and Latino men, a key shift in the electorate.
Throughout the campaign, Trump relentlessly attacked President Biden, and later Harris, focusing heavily on economic issues like inflation. Many voters, feeling worse off financially than they did four years ago, found this message resonant. In Georgia, independent voters who had previously supported Biden in 2020 shifted to Trump by a notable margin, citing the economy as their top concern. Although Harris drew some independent support in North Carolina, it was not enough to match Biden’s numbers from the previous election.
Immigration was another major theme for Trump, who continued to advocate for strict border policies. At various rallies, he emphasized his commitment to enforcing immigration laws more aggressively. Polls showed that voters trusted him to handle border security better than his opponent.
Despite his legal battles, Trump’s base remained unwavering. His first conviction on a New York “hush money” case did not deter his supporters and instead boosted his fundraising efforts, bringing in more than $50 million within a day of the verdict. Trump maintained his dominance in the Republican primary, ultimately sidelining rivals like Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, while strengthening his influence within the party by placing key allies in leadership positions.
The road to the election was far from smooth. Trump survived two assassination attempts over the course of his campaign: one at a rally in Pennsylvania and another at his golf club in West Palm Beach. His campaign, launched in November 2022, saw him frequently promise to bring “justice” to his supporters, portraying his race as a battle against the establishment.
After President Biden withdrew from the race in July 2024, endorsing Harris, Trump’s focus shifted to her, and he intensified his criticisms. Immigration became a central issue as Trump attacked Harris’s record, frequently accusing her of failing to secure the southern border.
In the final days of his campaign, Trump continued to make headlines, notably for a controversial rally at Madison Square Garden, where remarks made by a comedian sparked outrage. He also amped up his rhetoric against the media and his critics, maintaining a confrontational stance that resonated with his base.
On election night, Trump assured Americans that his presidency would usher in an era of prosperity and strength. “We stand on the verge of the four greatest years in American history,” he declared, pledging to bring about significant change while acknowledging that the journey may be turbulent at times.
As he prepares to take office as the oldest person elected to the presidency, Trump’s path forward promises to be one of reinvigorated nationalism and ambition, with a strong focus on economic revitalization and stringent immigration enforcement. The upcoming years may well define the political landscape of the U.S., setting a new precedent for comeback campaigns and resilience in American politics.
