In a historic political comeback, former U.S. President Donald Trump has been declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election by Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ). Trump, who secured critical wins in Pennsylvania and Alaska, reached the 270 electoral votes required to clinch the presidency, overcoming a contentious race against Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump’s path to victory included flipping battleground states like Georgia and North Carolina, bolstered by strong turnout from Latino voters and increased rural support. He also made notable gains in the popular vote, a rare achievement for Republicans in recent decades. Running alongside Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) as his vice-presidential candidate, Trump campaigned on issues of rising costs, border security, and global unrest, calling for a return to his policy agenda.
Despite a challenging campaign period, which included a criminal trial and even two assassination attempts, Trump’s platform resonated with many voters. His agenda includes sweeping immigration reforms, extended tax cuts, universal tariffs, and plans to restructure the Department of Education. Trump has also signaled his intent to focus on loyalty within his administration, positioning allies for key roles.
The outcome reflects a shift in the U.S. political landscape, particularly with Republicans now in control of the Senate. Trump’s re-election could further impact the judicial system, with a potential Supreme Court shift toward more conservative rulings. Although Harris emphasized abortion rights as a core issue, following the Supreme Court’s 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade, Trump was able to maintain significant voter support.
Trump’s victory marks the first time since Grover Cleveland in 1892 that a former president has reclaimed the White House after an electoral defeat. With legal challenges still underway, including a federal indictment from his actions following the 2020 election, Trump’s return sets the stage for a consequential new term.
