.jpg)
Although Election Day results are still being finalized, it is clear that the American people have chosen former President Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, marking an extraordinary comeback. Trump, who had refused to accept defeat four years ago, frequently asserted on the campaign trail, “I never should have left the White House.”
After early projections showed Trump winning the battleground states of Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, his projected victory in Wisconsin secured the 270 electoral votes needed to reclaim the presidency. Trump ultimately received 295 electoral votes to Harris’ 226.
While some may disagree with his gloves-off approach to politics, it’s evident that a majority of voters approved. Many were uncomfortable with how he referred to his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, viewing his comments as personal and disrespectful. In response, Harris referred to him as a "fascist." This exchange exemplified the friction between the two candidates, with Trump’s rhetoric reinforcing his “rough rider” persona, as he warned of a nation collapsing under “waves of violent migrants.” His stance on immigration drew bipartisan support, resonating even among some Democrats.
In his victory speech, Trump appeared fatigued but resolute, saying, “I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president and your 45th president.” Thunderous cheers from his supporters in Florida nearly drowned him out, erupting even before his victory was officially confirmed.
To the surprise of many, Republicans outperformed Trump’s 2020 results in numerous states, with Harris falling short of the ground Joe Biden had covered to secure his 2020 win. Republicans made gains in traditionally blue regions, strengthening their margins and securing control of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Trump thus enters a GOP-dominated political landscape, with a Republican-controlled Senate and House.
Addressing his supporters, Trump said, “We’ve been through so much together, and today you showed up in record numbers to deliver a victory. This was something special, and we’re going to pay you back.”
The global economy reacted immediately: U.S. stock markets, Tesla, banks, and bitcoin soared as investors anticipated Trump’s return to the White House. Trump, poised to become the 47th president, has vowed to “obliterate the deep state” and dismantle Washington’s corruption.
The election revealed more than just a victory; it underscored an era of contentious campaigning. This season saw President Biden’s unexpected step-down, the unprecedented nomination of Vice President Harris with no primary, two assassination attempts on Trump, and a last-minute shift to a new Democratic nominee just one month before the convention.
As Trump returns to the Oval Office, he faces heightened political polarization, though it may be inconsequential with all branches of government aligned in his favor. However, ongoing global crises will continue to test America’s role on the world stage.
World leaders have lined up to offer congratulations, while others have taken a more cautious tone, with some referring to him as “my friend, President Trump.” Each leader is aware of the stakes and is positioned to avoid potential conflicts.
This win over Vice President Harris—who became the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket—is Trump’s second victory over a female opponent in a presidential race. Harris’ late entry aimed to address Democratic concerns about Biden’s ability to challenge Trump effectively. While her campaign initially brought excitement, she struggled to persuade undecided and moderate voters on key issues like immigration, inflation, and transgender policy. Her stances on fracking, police funding, and federal support for gender-affirming surgeries faced scrutiny, while her focus on reproductive rights, decency, Trump’s criminal record, and border control failed to resonate widely.
Harris centered her campaign on themes of optimism, while Trump tapped into voter anger and resentment, especially around concerns about inflation and crime, which he linked to immigration policies under Biden and, by extension, Harris. He also highlighted ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, framing Democrats as ineffectual and warning that their policies could lead to a third world war.
Borrowing from Ronald Reagan’s slogan, “Let’s Make America Great Again,” Trump presented himself in 2016 as the sole figure capable of fixing America’s problems, often using language reminiscent of strongman leaders.
“In 2016, I declared, ‘I am your voice.’ Today, I add, ‘I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution,’” Trump said in March 2023.
While controversies emerged, they ultimately had little impact on his base. What does it all mean? It appears Democrats have not been listening. They misjudged voters’ desires for a return to traditional norms, focusing instead on issues like inflation reduction, gender-neutral language, and maintaining strict border control. While other issues, such as book bans, basic human rights, and the rule of law, remain on the Democratic agenda, they did not seem as pressing to voters.
Historical Context
President Biden did not call to congratulate Trump on Tuesday night, nor did Vice President Harris. Harris appeared publicly on Wednesday afternoon but reportedly reached out to Trump later that day to congratulate him. This delay in the traditional concession protocol has drawn attention.
Grover Cleveland was the last president to return to the White House after a hiatus, in 1892, making Trump the first former president of a major political party to return since then. (Theodore Roosevelt attempted a return in 1912 under a third-party bid but did not succeed.) Trump is also the first person convicted of a felony to be elected president and, at 78, the oldest person to hold the office. His vice president, 40-year-old Ohio Senator JD Vance, will become the highest-ranking millennial in the U.S. government.
With a strong GOP presence in Congress and a judiciary filled with Trump-appointed judges, Trump’s return will likely face fewer checks and balances. His GOP critics in Congress have largely been defeated, acquiesced, or retired.
Federal courts, populated with judges Trump appointed, offer more judicial opportunities. The U.S. Supreme Court, with three Trump-appointed justices, recently ruled to grant presidents broad immunity from prosecution, further consolidating his executive power.
Visionary Kai EL´ Zabar has worked as CEO of arts organizations and as editor, writer and multimedia consultant accumulating a significant number of years in experience as an executive, journalist,publisher, public relations, media training, marketing, internal and external communications. Kai currently continues her life’s work as Editor-in-Chief Of Chicago News Weekly where she has resumed her column, “E NOTES.” She is ecstatic to be in the position to grace Chicago and the world with a publication that articulates the Black voice.