Donald Trump, the Republican candidate and former U.S. President, has officially been declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election, securing victory over his opponent Kamala Harris, who made a historic run as the Democratic candidate with the aim of becoming the first female U.S. president.
As reported by GistReel, Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) was among the first to project Trump as the victorious candidate, a decision which was later confirmed, marking his dramatic return to the White House following a period fraught with legal and political controversies. This comeback reflects Trump’s resilience in the face of multiple legal challenges and his unshaken popularity among a significant portion of the American electorate.
The path to Trump’s victory was not without turbulence. His campaign faced obstacles that included a high-profile criminal conviction, threats against his life, and stark criticisms from prominent figures, including a former chief of staff who characterized him as a “fascist.” These factors combined to make this one of the most intense and closely watched elections in recent American history. At his victory celebration in Florida, Trump described the triumph as “a political victory like our country has never seen before,” highlighting the unprecedented nature of his return to office.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who entered the race in July following President Joe Biden’s decision to step down, led a campaign that sought to present a moderate, unifying vision for the country. Harris focused on highlighting the divisive nature of Trump’s rhetoric, particularly his use of language seen as racially and gender-biased. Her platform resonated with voters concerned about Trump’s more extreme positions and the heightened tensions of recent years.
Nevertheless, Trump’s stance on issues such as immigration and his call for a return to “America First” policies struck a chord with voters dissatisfied with the post-Covid economy and the policies of the Biden administration. The strength of his messaging, combined with an energized base, led to a decisive victory across crucial swing states, including Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Contrary to predictions of a prolonged vote count, the election outcome was determined relatively quickly, solidifying Trump’s place once again at the helm of the U.S. government.
Trump’s victory is historic not only because it grants him a second, non-consecutive term in office—a feat not accomplished by any U.S. president in over a century—but also because he enters the White House as the first elected president with a felony conviction. He is scheduled to be sentenced for fraud charges in New York on November 26. At the age of 78, Trump will become the oldest individual to assume the presidency, a record previously held by Biden, who is stepping down at age 82.