Former President Donald Trump has declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, who ran as the Democratic candidate. Fox News projected Trump’s win after his strong performances in pivotal battleground states, including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia, paving the way for a historic political comeback four years after he departed from the White House. Other major networks had yet to call the race as ballots were still being counted in some states, but Trump’s significant lead suggested he was on the brink of victory. Addressing an exuberant crowd at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida, Trump asserted that “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate.”
An Unlikely Comeback and a Mandate from the Voters
Trump’s return to the political stage in 2024 has been widely viewed as improbable. After his controversial departure from office and the 2021 Capitol riots, many speculated that his political career was effectively over. However, Tuesday’s results reflect not only a personal comeback but also a strong message from the American electorate on key issues like the economy, which was central to Trump’s campaign platform. Exit polls indicated that 31% of voters cited the economy as their top issue, with Trump carrying this demographic by an overwhelming 79%-to-20% margin. For many Americans who reported that their financial situations had worsened over the past four years, Trump emerged as the favored candidate.
Trump’s campaign capitalized on this economic discontent, focusing on the rising cost of living and targeting lower-income and Hispanic voters who felt the impact of inflation. Notably, he garnered 45% of the Hispanic vote, up 13 percentage points from his performance in 2020, underscoring his appeal across diverse demographics.
Election Night Tensions and Harris’s Supporters Hold Out Hope
In a parallel scene at Howard University, where supporters of Kamala Harris gathered for a watch party, the mood was cautious but hopeful. Cedric Richmond, Harris’s campaign co-chair, briefly addressed the crowd, confirming that ballots were still being counted and urging supporters not to lose hope. “We still have votes to count,” he emphasized, hinting at potential last-minute victories in key states that could still sway the outcome. Harris did not make a public statement, but Richmond assured the crowd that she would speak on Wednesday.
While Harris had banked on a strong turnout among urban and suburban voters, her support in those areas appeared to be lagging behind that of Joe Biden in 2020. Trump, meanwhile, made gains in suburban counties and even some traditionally Democratic urban centers, signaling a shift in voter sentiment. Analysts noted that Trump improved his performance across a range of demographic and socioeconomic groups, showing stronger appeal in both high-income and low-income areas.
Election Night Dynamics and Rising Tensions
Throughout election night, tensions ran high as Trump reiterated his concerns over potential election fraud, particularly in major cities like Philadelphia and Detroit. Posting on his Truth Social platform, he suggested that “massive CHEATING” was occurring, though he provided no evidence to support these claims. Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein responded on social media, affirming that there was “absolutely no truth to this allegation.” Similar sentiments were expressed by officials in Detroit, who dismissed Trump’s accusations as “nonsense.”
Despite these allegations, voting proceeded smoothly in most areas, with only sporadic disruptions, including a handful of non-credible bomb threats reportedly originating from Russian email domains. U.S. election officials and the FBI closely monitored the situation, but confirmed that no significant threats had materialized.
A Historic Election with Two Transformative Figures
The 2024 election represents a unique turning point in American history. Harris, 60, who made history as the first female and Black vice president, was poised to break additional barriers as the first woman, Black, and South Asian American president. Her campaign focused on a message of unity and continuity, pledging to protect democratic institutions and address issues of racial and economic justice.
Trump, 78, on the other hand, emphasized a return to a stronger, more “America-first” agenda. If he assumes office in January, he will become the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms. His win represents a resurgence for the Republican Party, which also secured a Senate majority by flipping Democratic seats in Ohio and West Virginia.
Trump’s return highlights a sharp ideological divide in the country, with nearly three-quarters of voters in exit polls stating that American democracy is “under threat.” While Harris warned voters of potential risks to democratic norms under a second Trump term, Trump adopted increasingly dire rhetoric, questioning the integrity of the electoral system itself.
Broader Implications and Global Market Reactions
Global markets began responding to the likelihood of a Trump win before the official call, as investors factored in the potential for Trump’s pro-business policies to return. U.S. stock futures and the dollar rose, while Treasury yields and cryptocurrency prices also climbed, marking an expectation of increased economic volatility and deregulation under Trump’s leadership.
For the Republicans, Tuesday’s results not only affirm Trump’s political comeback but also reflect a broader shift within the party, as they build on support from new voter demographics. By appealing to concerns over economic challenges, Trump’s message resonated with groups that may not traditionally align with the Republican Party.
