Donald Trump won a sweeping victory in the US presidential election on Wednesday, defeating Kamala Harris in a stunning political comeback that sent shock waves across the world.
The polarising Republican’s return to the White House after a gap of 4 years, following one of the most hostile campaigns in modern US history, was all the more remarkable given an unprecedented criminal conviction, a near-miss assassination attempt, and warnings from a former chief of staff that he is a “fascist”.
Unprecedented in American history
- Non-consecutive terms: Donald Trump is set to become only the second president in US history to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland, who held the presidency from 1885 to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897. This remarkable political comeback has not been achieved in over a century, making Trump’s potential re-election a significant historical milestone. Cleveland’s unique situation arose from his defeat in the 1888 election to Benjamin Harrison despite winning the popular vote, after which he returned to win the presidency again in 1892. Trump’s bid for non-consecutive terms echoes Cleveland’s journey, as both faced challenges that shaped their political narratives and electoral strategies.
- First convicted felon elected president: Trump’s election as president also marks him as the first individual in US history to be elected after a felony conviction. He was found guilty on 34 counts related to falsifying business records, particularly concerning hush-money payments made during his previous campaign. This unprecedented circumstance raises critical questions about presidential conduct and accountability, as it challenges traditional views on the qualifications and ethical standards expected of a president. The implications of this conviction could influence public perception and future legal standards for candidates seeking high office.
- Twice impeached: Trump is uniquely positioned as the only US president to have faced impeachment proceedings twice during his tenure. The first impeachment occurred in December 2019 over allegations that he solicited foreign interference in the 2020 election, while the second took place in January 2021 following the Capitol insurrection. In both instances, he was acquitted by the Senate, but these events have left a lasting mark on his presidency and have contributed to a polarised political landscape.
Oldest president elected : At 78 years old, Trump will become the oldest person ever elected to the presidency, surpassing Joe Biden, who turned 78 just 2 months prior to his inauguration in January 2021. This aspect of his candidacy has sparked discussions about age and leadership capabilities in American politics, particularly regarding the physical and mental demands of the presidency. As more candidates enter politics at older ages, this trend raises questions about generational representation and the vitality of leadership within a rapidly changing political environment.
“It’s a political victory that our country has never seen before,” Trump told a victory party in Florida. As supporters chanted “USA!”, the 78-year-old added that his “magnificent” win would “allow us to make America great again”.
World leaders swiftly pledged to work with Trump, led by Israel and Ukraine where the course of raging conflicts could depend on the new president and his isolationist “America First” foreign policy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his “heartiest congratulations” to Trump on his “historic election victory” and said he looks forward “to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.”