Donald Trump has been declared the winner of the US presidential election, according to media reports on Wednesday, marking a remarkable political comeback as he defeated Kamala Harris, an outcome that is expected to reverberate globally.
The polarizing Republican’s triumph, achieved amid one of the most contentious campaigns in recent US history, is particularly striking given the backdrop of his unprecedented criminal conviction, a narrowly averted assassination attempt, and critical remarks from a former chief of staff, who described him as a “fascist.”
“This is a political victory like our country has never seen before,” Trump declared at a victory celebration in Florida.
Vice President Harris, who launched her campaign in July after President Joe Biden chose not to run for reelection, mounted a centrist campaign emphasizing Trump’s provocative rhetoric and his use of overtly racist and sexist language.
Nevertheless, Trump’s dire warnings about immigration and his calls for isolationism resonated with voters fatigued by the post-Covid economy and seeking a departure from the Biden administration’s policies.
While the race was anticipated to be closely contested, results came in quickly, resulting in a decisive win for Trump, who secured victories in key battleground states such as Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
With this win, Trump becomes the first president in over a century to achieve a non-consecutive second term. He also makes history as the only individual elected to the presidency while facing felony convictions; he is scheduled for sentencing in a New York court for fraud on November 26. At 78 years old, Trump is set to become the oldest sitting president in history, surpassing Biden, who will leave office at 82.
**Impact on Foreign Policy**
The US dollar experienced a surge, and bitcoin reached an all-time high, while most stock markets rallied as traders anticipated a Trump victory.
However, potential turbulence looms on the horizon.
Trump’s election promises significant policy shifts—both domestically and internationally. His unabashedly isolationist “America First” agenda is likely to have far-reaching implications.
He has consistently suggested he would seek to end the conflict in Ukraine by urging Kyiv to concede territory to Russia, and his threats of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants have sparked alarm across Latin America.
Returning to the White House as a skeptic of climate change, Trump is poised to dismantle Biden’s environmental policies, potentially undermining global efforts to combat climate change.
Even before Trump’s victory was fully confirmed, world leaders quickly extended their congratulations. Among them were long-time allies such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reached out to Trump, expressing hope that his “impressive victory” could lead to a “just peace” for Ukraine, despite concerns about reduced US military support following Biden’s exit. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte voiced hopes that Trump, who has frequently criticized the alliance, would contribute to its strengthening.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron also joined the chorus of well-wishers, with Macron pledging to collaborate with Trump “with respect and ambition.”
**Showman’s Instinct**
Despite ominous promises of political retaliation against adversaries at home and criticism of traditional allies abroad, Trump is known for his unpredictability, often blurring the lines between rhetoric and action.
His campaign rallies, characterized by grievances, insults, and misinformation, featured extreme language. Yet, he benefited from viral online moments that showcased his relatable persona and flair for showmanship, including a visit to a McDonald’s drive-thru and an unscripted press conference from a garbage truck.
Campaigning on tax cuts, deregulation, and substantial increases in import tariffs to stimulate growth and manufacturing, Trump faced warnings about possible trade wars and rising prices for American consumers.
Although his mainstream messaging was frequently overshadowed by harsh language and violent imagery, his combative style resonated deeply with his staunch supporters, who view him as an outsider to Washington.
He also made headway with his tough anti-immigration policies and by connecting with working-class voters grappling with inflation exacerbated by Covid.
When Harris entered the race to succeed Biden in July, she initially narrowed the significant gap that Trump had opened in the polls. Her focus on unity, abortion rights, and warnings about Trump as a threat to democracy seemed to resonate, evident in her impressive fundraising that surpassed her opponent’s.
Ultimately, however, she fell short in her bid to make history as the first Black woman elected to the White House.
