Donald Trump has been re-elected as US president after securing more than the necessary 270 winning Electoral College votes, marking a remarkable comeback following his defeat in the 2020 presidential election, Reuters reports.
Trump also led by approximately 5 million votes in the popular count, defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, despite legal challenges and controversies surrounding him. Trump’s victory was fueled by voter concerns over the economy, crime, and immigration, gaining support from Hispanics, lower-income households, and his loyal base of rural, white, and non-college-educated voters.
Trump’s second term is expected to challenge US democratic institutions and international relations, with plans to implement tax cuts, mass deportations, and aggressive trade policies, particularly toward China. He has vowed to reshape the executive branch, firing disloyal civil servants and using federal law enforcement to target political opponents.
Trump’s victory followed a tumultuous campaign, including assassination attempts, major political shifts with Biden dropping out late in the race, and significant media and financial support from figures like Elon Musk. Meanwhile, Harris struggled to secure support and counter Trump’s momentum, despite raising significant campaign funds. Trump will return to the White House alongside Vice President JD Vance in January 2025.
