Donald Trump Wins 47th Presidency in Historic Political Comeback

Washington, D.C. — Donald Trump, aged 78, achieved a historic political comeback early Wednesday, reclaiming the U.S. presidency as he was projected to win the 2024 election, becoming the 47th president.

The former president’s substantial lead in the Electoral College over Vice President Kamala Harris was attributed to his reversal of 2020 losses in pivotal states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. He secured strong support among his traditional white, rural, and working-class base while notably gaining traction among ethnic minorities. His victory headlined a major night for the Republican Party, which is also anticipated to regain control of the Senate after four years in the minority.

Former President Donald Trump has officially won the 2024 presidential election. Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images

However, the outcome of the House of Representatives remains uncertain, with results too close to call. The majority of control might not be determined for several days. In scenes reminiscent of Election Night 2016, thousands of Harris supporters, gathered at her alma mater, Howard University, were left shocked and in tears as her defeat became evident.

Campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond later addressed the crowd, announcing that Harris would not speak that night, urging supporters to await more vote counts.

Trump’s campaign was marked by an aggressive push to male voters and a rigorous schedule of rallies, including a Pennsylvania McDonald’s visit. Harris, in contrast, avoided focusing on her potential to be the first female president, choosing instead a middle-class, small-business-centered message and distancing herself from her earlier progressive stances.

Vice President Kamala Harris has officially won the 2024 presidential election. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

This win makes Trump only the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland’s split terms in the late 19th century. The close race saw both candidates grappling with “incumbent” roles — Trump as a former president and Harris, elevated to the Democratic ticket after President Biden declined to seek re-election in July.

Biden’s campaign moments, he challenged Harris, with the president’s controversial remarks and behaviour drawing media attention. Among them were Biden’s accidental criticism of Trump supporters as “garbage” and his later efforts to downplay his comments.

Meanwhile, Trump’s candidacy was shadowed by multiple criminal indictments related to alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election, as well as unprecedented security threats, including foiled assassination attempts.

Harris will be the first female president in American history. Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

Harris’s nomination was strongly supported by Democratic figures, including Nancy Pelosi and Hollywood donors like George Clooney, following Biden’s shaky debate performance in June, which raised public concerns about his cognitive sharpness. Harris’s subsequent campaign fundraising exceeded $1 billion, fueled by a pivot to moderate positions on critical issues like border enforcement.

The election marked a clash between two intensely polarised candidates who faced unique hurdles on Election Day.