In a historic turn of events, Donald Trump achieved a remarkable comeback in the 2024 presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday night. This victory marks him as the first president in 132 years to regain the White House after a previous defeat.
After casting his ballot in Palm Beach, Florida, accompanied by his spouse Melania Trump, Trump expressed confidence in his chances.
Adorned with his signature “Make America Great Again” cap and an “I voted” sticker, Trump discussed reported issues at polling stations across the country. He drew particular attention to Pennsylvania, where there were problems scanning ballots in Cambria and Bedford counties, both known as Republican strongholds.
“I’m hearing in Pennsylvania they won’t have an answer until two or three days from now. I think it’s an absolute outrage if that’s the case,” Trump commented. He further stated he would accept a loss in a “fair” election, adding, “If it’s a fair election I would be the most willing person to acknowledge it if I lost. And so far I think it’s been fair.”
Trump’s victory breaks several records, including him being the first individual convicted of a felony to assume the presidency.
The former president secured his victory by winning vital battleground states such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. He also became the first Republican to win the popular vote since 2004.
Shortly after the election results, world leaders started sending congratulatory messages. The stock market reacted favorably, although analysts indicated potential ramifications for U.S. support of Ukraine due to Trump’s previous doubts about ongoing aid.
Despite a May 2024 conviction on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records in the New York State Supreme Court, Trump emerged victorious. The case involved a plot to hide damaging information during the 2016 presidential campaign via a series of payments, including one of $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
His sentencing, scheduled for November 26, now faces potential postponements or procedural hurdles due to his election victory. Legal experts suggest his return to the White House could effectively protect him from various legal proceedings.
The election witnessed a high voter turnout nationwide, especially in battleground states. Kentucky’s nine electoral votes played a key role in Trump’s victory, while Harris retained her hold in the state’s urban areas.
