Trump Declares Victory: Becomes the First U.S. President in Over 120 Years to Win Non-Consecutive Terms
Trump announces his victory. (AP)
According to The Hill, after securing wins in Pennsylvania and Alaska, Donald Trump clinched the 270 electoral votes needed to reclaim the presidency. This historic win makes him the first president since Grover Cleveland in 1892 to lose the White House and return to office in a later term. At approximately 2:26 a.m. Eastern Time on November 6, Trump appeared to deliver his victory speech, proclaiming his historic achievement and expressing gratitude to his supporters.
Trump described the moment as America’s “golden age,” vowing to “Make America Great Again” (MAGA). He also thanked his wife, Melania Trump, and his family for their unwavering support.
During his speech, Trump introduced his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, who addressed the crowd, expressing his gratitude for being part of the campaign and promising to help more Americans realize their dreams.
Following Vance’s remarks, Trump commented, “This seems like a fantastic choice now. When I initially chose [Vance], it was met with skepticism and criticism.”
Trump thanks his wife, Melania Trump, and family during his victory speech. (AP)
A Tumultuous Election Season
This presidential election was marked by extraordinary events, including Trump facing four criminal cases, surviving two assassination attempts, and President Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the race, which caused internal turmoil within the Democratic Party.
After Biden’s withdrawal, the Democratic Party replaced him with Vice President Kamala Harris, setting the stage for a fierce 100-day campaign against Trump. The contest was particularly intense in seven battleground states, where polling data showed the two candidates neck-and-neck until Election Day. Ultimately, Trump secured the necessary 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
Trump’s victory defied expectations. Not only did he reclaim Georgia for the Republican Party and dismantle North Carolina’s “Blue Wall,” but he also won the national popular vote by a slim margin. This marks the first time a Republican candidate has won the popular vote since 1992 and surpasses even Trump’s own 2016 electoral success.
Key Factors Behind Trump’s Victory
Exit polls revealed significant gains for Trump among Hispanic voters, coupled with increased support in rural areas. His campaign’s targeted outreach to young male voters also resulted in a near-tie with Harris in this demographic.
As the campaign neared its conclusion, Trump’s support among African American and Hispanic voters grew, propelling him to victory.
At 78 years old, Trump will become the oldest president ever inaugurated, surpassing Joe Biden’s record set in 2020. He also becomes the second U.S. president in history to serve non-consecutive terms. However, his tenure will be limited by the 22nd Amendment, preventing him from seeking re-election in 2028.