Donald Trump is set to return to the White House as the 47th president of the United States. In an election that had been too close to call after Kamala Harris stepped in to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic party nominee, he produced the most convincing victory of his three campaigns.
As election night progressed the results began pointing to a victory for the former president. The first swing states of North Carolina and Georgia were called for Trump in a sign of what was to follow across the country. Once Pennsylvania had been called in his favour Trump appeared to make his victory speech from Florida, after walking on stage to ‘God Bless the USA’ Trump proclaimed: “This is a movement like nobody’s ever seen before and, frankly, this was I believe the greatest political movement of all time.”
Not only did Trump carry the electoral college winning all of the swing states. He was also victorious in the popular vote, a feat he did not achieve in 2016 or 2020. Down the ticket, the Republicans also took control of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
After it was announced she would not speak at her election night rally, Harris officially conceded the race to President-elect Trump in a phone call and appeared on the afternoon of 6 November to give her concession speech. Speaking from her alma mater, Howard University in Washington, DC, Harris said: “We must accept the results of this election,” adding “while I conceded this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign.”
Her speech went on to reference many of the key issues of the campaign; abortion rights, equality, and the protection of democracy, which now become the key focus of what could be to come in the second Trump term.
NBC exit polling data placed immigration as a key issue among Republican voters and in the days following the election Trump reaffirmed his campaign promise to begin mass deportations. In comments to NBC news he said that the cost of his plans is not a concern: “It’s not a question of a price tag. It’s not – really, we have no choice.”
Abortion rights, one of the key concerns amongst Democratic voters, was also on the ballot in 10 states. Voters in seven states opted for measures to enshrine either further access to, or the right to abortions in their constitutions. Protections for abortion rights were not passed in Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota. These measures, however, could be overturned if the administration were to pursue a national abortion ban. The President-elect has stated that he would not sign a federal ban however, he could now come under pressure to enact one from members of the party and pro-life organisations.
Another key consideration for the new president will be foreign policy. Following Trump’s victory Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to X to congratulate him saying: “I am looking forward to personally congratulating President Trump and discussing ways to strengthen Ukraine’s strategic partnership with the United States.” Trump was also congratulated by Russia’s President Putin. In comments made during an address in Sochi, Putin described Trump as: “a courageous person”. During the campaign, continued support for Ukraine under a Trump administration was questioned after his comments that he could end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia within a day.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, also posted his congratulations for the President-elect, stating that: “Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.”
With Trump’s repeated message that he would put America first, it is unclear how he will proceed to handle the ongoing conflicts both in Europe and the Middle East. Both the EU and the UK have reiterated their ongoing support for Ukraine following the US election results.
As Trump is set to take up the Oval Office once more following the Inauguration in January, many questions remain about what he hopes to achieve during his second term and the different methods that will be used to achieve it.
Questions also remain for the Democrats, having faced a substantial defeat in these elections and with many of the key party figures, such as Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi, taking a step back from leadership roles the future direction of the party seems uncertain.
The one clear result from this election is that America has embraced the MAGA movement on a greater level than ever before. With JD Vance set to take up the role of Vice-President the future of the Republican party seems committed to the movement.
Journalism, Media and Communication & Politics and International Relations Student.
X @_SophieKristina
Leave a Reply