Donald Trump makes a historic political comeback as he declares victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, positioning himself as the first former president in over a century to regain the White House.
Speaking to a crowd of enthusiastic supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump called his win a “golden age” moment for America, promising a revitalization of the country through policies aimed at restoring national strength, securing borders, and reviving his trademark approach of “America First.”
With preliminary results pointing towards wins in several battleground states— Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Nevada, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Michigan—Trump has reclaimed the office, surpassing Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race. In a campaign focused on issues of economic revival, border security, and international sovereignty, Trump’s supporters rallied to his message of restoring American greatness. The 78-year-old leader has committed to focusing on domestic issues, addressing what he has termed “critical needs” for economic reform, infrastructure improvement, and social stability.
During his initial term as the U.S. President from 2017 to 2021, Trump’s administration pursued a bold reshaping of both domestic and international policies, with his “America First” approach leading to the withdrawal from several international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (commonly referred to as the Iran Nuclear Deal). Trump prioritized protectionist trade policies and recalibrated relationships with global allies, including raising questions about the necessity of NATO, resulting in several allied nations increasing their defence spending. His administration also assumed a strong stance on immigration, attempting to curb unauthorized crossings and refocus national security efforts.
On the economic front, Trump pushed for deregulation and tax cuts, arguing that it would stimulate American industry and boost job growth. Despite sparking economic growth, these actions faced criticism for their long-term impact on wealth inequality and the national deficit. Internationally, Trump’s administration took a hardline stance on China, instituting tariffs and initiating a trade war that he contended was necessary to protect American manufacturing and jobs.
In his 2024 campaign, Trump capitalized on the platform of a “national resurgence,” restating his dedication to border security, economic protectionism, and a reduced reliance on international alliances that he views as less beneficial for the United States. Key wins in swing states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina have helped to secure his path back to the presidency. CBS exit polls also suggest that, while Vice President Harris appealed to a broad coalition of voters, Trump’s message of national strength and a return to traditional values resonated with significant numbers of voters in these critical regions.
Early results indicate that Republicans will retain control of the Senate, a victory that will facilitate Trump’s agenda implementation. With a Senate majority, the GOP will play a crucial role in confirming Trump’s Cabinet and judicial nominees, a power that gives the party significant leverage in shaping the federal judiciary and enforcing conservative policy priorities.
Trump has indicated that his second term will focus heavily on domestic policy, pledging to “fix everything about our country,” His rhetoric suggesting an intensified approach to his earlier agenda, focusing on issues such as energy independence, stricter immigration policies, and a trade policy designed to boost American manufacturing. Trump has also proposed significant new tariffs, which he argues will protect American jobs although they may cause a risk of renewed trade disputes with global trading partners.
On the international stage, Trump’s campaign speeches suggest he intends to revisit key foreign policy decisions, including the United States‘ role in the UN, and potential reductions in U.S. contributions to NATO. During his first term, Trump was critical of U.S. allies, arguing that the United States had borne an outsized burden of the costs of international defense alliances. In his 2024 bid, Trump has proposed renegotiating and possibly even withdrawing from agreements he views as disadvantageous, challenging longstanding partnerships and reshaping America’s role in global geopolitics.
In regards to trade, Trump has outlined plans to introduce new tariffs on key imports, particularly from China and Mexico. His stance on trade has been marked by skepticism toward multilateral trade deals, favoring mutual agreements that he asserts give the U.S. greater control. Critics warn that heightened tariffs could strain the American economy, affecting consumer prices and reducing competitiveness abroad, but Trump has remained firm that protective trade measures will secure American industry.
Trump’s return to the White House comes at a pivotal time in American politics, marked by sharp biased divides and significant debate over the country’s future role on the world stage. His supporters see the victory as a directive to pursue a strong, nationalist agenda, while his critics voice concerns about the potential consequences of policies that may reduce U.S. involvement in global issues.
As he begins his second term, Trump has reiterated his promise to deliver a “golden age” for America, pledging to focus his administration’s efforts on strengthening the country internally and reshaping its international relationships. While the scope and impact of his policy decisions remain to be seen, one certainty is that Trump’s return to the presidency will no doubt bring significant changes to U.S. domestic policy and international alliances, defining a new chapter in American governance.
