In a surprising turn of events, Donald Trump made a historic comeback in the 2024 presidential election on Tuesday, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. He became the first president to reclaim the office after a prior defeat in over a century.
After casting his vote in Palm Beach, Florida, alongside his wife Melania Trump, Trump displayed confidence about the election outcome.
Adorned with his familiar “Make America Great Again” hat and an “I voted” sticker, Trump shared his views on reported polling station issues across the country. He specifically spotlighted Pennsylvania, where ballot scanning glitches occurred in the predominantly Republican counties of Cambria and Bedford.
“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 stated, adding that he would concede defeat if the election was deemed “fair”. “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 not only marked his return to the White House but also saw him become the first convicted felon to assume the presidential office.
Gaining ground in key battleground states such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, Trump secured his victory. This also marked him as the first Republican to win the popular vote since 2004.
Once the race was called, leaders worldwide started sending their congratulations. The stock market reacted favorably to the election outcome, though analysts cautioned about potential impacts on U.S. aid to Ukraine, given Trump’s prior reservations.
Trump’s triumph in the election occurred despite his conviction on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records in May 2024 by the New York State Supreme Court. The case revolved around a scheme to hide damaging information during the 2016 presidential campaign involving payments, including $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
His sentencing, initially scheduled for November 26, may now face procedural issues or delays due to his election victory. Legal pundits propose that his presidency could effectively shield him from various legal proceedings.
The election witnessed robust turnout nationwide, especially in battleground states. Kentucky’s nine electoral votes played a significant role in Trump’s victory, although Harris continued to enjoy support in the state’s urban regions.
