Donald Trump Secures Second Term as U.S. President: Key Results, Path to Victory, and Highlights

n the early hours of November 6, 2024, Donald Trump achieved a historic second term as President of the United States. In one of the most polarized elections in recent memory, Trump won with a combination of electoral and popular votes that secured his return to the White House, while his opponent, Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party, fell short of the necessary support. With 67,126,504 popular votes (51.2%) to Harris’s 62,145,883 (47.4%), Trump also held an electoral college lead of 247 votes to Harris’s 214.

This result reignites debates over Trump’s impact on American politics, his controversial political journey, and the weight of the themes addressed in his campaign, which included national security, the economy, and immigration. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the election results, Trump’s political trajectory, key campaign milestones, and the initial reactions to the outcome.

Detailed Results of the 2024 Presidential Election

In the U.S., presidential candidates must secure the majority of electoral votes to win, a system in which each state is allocated a specific number of votes based on population. While some states were still finalizing their counts, Trump’s substantial lead has positioned him for a near-certain victory in the electoral college.

• Donald Trump’s Popular Votes: 67,126,504 (51.2%)
• Kamala Harris’s Popular Votes: 62,145,883 (47.4%)
• Donald Trump’s Electoral College Votes: 247
• Kamala Harris’s Electoral College Votes: 214
• Other Candidates: Jill Stein, representing the Green Party, received 549,766 votes (0.4%), while Independent candidate Robert Kennedy garnered 535,595 votes (0.4%).

Trump’s victory resulted from a strategy that focused on winning over key battleground states. Here is how his campaign developed and how Trump, over the years, built the support base that led him back to the presidency.

Donald Trump’s Political Journey

Donald Trump started his career in real estate, expanding his father’s company and becoming one of the most recognized business figures in the United States. His financial success and assertive personality led to stints in television and increased fame. In 2016, Trump launched a presidential bid and defeated Hillary Clinton, becoming the 45th President.

In his first term, Trump concentrated on domestic issues, including a tax reform that reduced taxes for corporations and individuals, tighter immigration policies, and unconventional diplomacy. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with criticisms in areas such as civil rights and environmental policies, polarized the country. This tension contributed to his 2020 loss to Joe Biden.

However, Trump remained active in American politics, cultivating a loyal base and exerting significant influence within the Republican Party. His 2024 platform echoed his “Make America Great Again” slogan, with a renewed focus on restoring conservative views on society, security, and economic growth.

Key Milestones in Trump’s 2024 Campaign

Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign highlighted themes resonant with conservative voters and those prioritizing economic stability and public safety. His approach was characterized by a straightforward, assertive message, winning strong support from voters in key states. Here are some of the major points in his campaign:

1. Focus on the American Economy: Trump promised a second term with policies that would encourage U.S. reindustrialization and job creation, pledging to reduce reliance on imports, especially from China.
2. Border Security: One of Trump’s campaign pillars was his commitment to reinforce border security and implement stricter immigration policies, popular among voters in southern states like Texas and Arizona.
3. Tax Cuts and Domestic Market Stimulation: Trump continued his defense of tax cuts for businesses and individuals, arguing that these policies help stimulate growth and strengthen the domestic economy.
4. Nationalism and Conservative Foreign Policy: Trump maintained his stance of reducing U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, promising to focus on economic interests and domestic security.
5. Restoration of Traditional Values: Trump pledged support for policies that protect conservative values, which he claims are essential for social cohesion and national security.

Timeline of the 2024 Election

The 2024 election followed a timeline marked by intense events for both Trump’s and Kamala Harris’s campaigns. Below are some of the major moments that defined this year’s presidential race:

• January: Trump officially announced his candidacy, reiterating his “America First” stance.
• April: Kamala Harris was confirmed as the Democratic Party candidate, launching a platform focused on social justice and climate change.
• August: Trump’s campaign focused on swing states such as Florida and Ohio, while Harris strengthened her presence in progressive coastal states.
• October: The final debates highlighted the candidates’ contrasting approaches, with Trump emphasizing security and the economy and Harris focusing on equality and inclusion.
• November 5: Americans voted with high turnout from both parties.
• November 6: Initial results indicated Trump’s lead in critical states, placing him close to securing the electoral college majority.

Reactions to the Election Results and Implications for U.S. Politics

The outcome of the 2024 election has stirred a range of responses across American society. Trump supporters are celebrating his return, viewing him as a figure capable of “restoring order,” while progressives and Harris’s supporters have voiced concerns about the potential impact on civil rights and environmental issues.

Internationally, Trump’s return is met with cautious observation. His firm, often nationalist stance toward global agreements suggests that allied nations and international organizations are closely analyzing the potential shifts in diplomatic and trade relations.

Foreign Policy and Trump’s Possible Moves on the Global Stage

Trump’s return to the White House may signal a more isolationist and nationalist foreign policy, focusing on economic interests over multilateral agreements. Here are some areas likely to be impacted:

• Trade Relations with China: Trump has promised to review trade deals and increase tariffs with China to reduce the trade deficit.
• Middle East Conflicts: Trump’s non-interventionist approach is expected to continue, prioritizing U.S. interests while maintaining strong alliances with countries like Israel.
• NATO Reforms: Trump has shown interest in renegotiating the U.S. role in NATO, demanding that other nations increase their contributions to the organization.

Domestic Security and Immigration Policies

Security is a key part of Trump’s agenda. His policies for this term include:

• Enhanced border security measures with increased investment in border infrastructure and patrol;
• Deportation programs targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds;
• Stricter policies on asylum and refugee status, prioritizing American citizens and legal residents.

Trump also intends to strengthen urban security by investing in programs to combat crime and enhance public safety in major cities.

The Importance of Trump’s Support Base and the “Trump Movement”

The strength of Trump’s support base was instrumental in his victory. Over the years, Trump has built a dedicated movement of supporters who appreciate his assertive stance and his promises for economic protection. This movement resonates strongly with conservative voters and working-class Americans, especially in states affected by economic shifts tied to globalization.

Key segments contributing to Trump’s success include:

• Industrial Workers: Impacted by deindustrialization and global supply chain changes, these voters view Trump as a proponent of bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.
• Rural Voters: Strong supporters of nationalist policies focused on protecting local jobs and providing agricultural incentives.
• Small Business Owners: Beneficiaries of tax cuts and domestic market growth policies, these voters form a solid core of support.

Challenges and Expectations for Trump’s Second Term

Despite his victory, Trump faces considerable challenges as he embarks on a second term. American society remains deeply divided, and the president must navigate a nation with polarized political and social views. Economic stability and management of critical issues such as security and foreign relations will be crucial for the success of his administration.