Donald Trump wins historic second term as 47th U.S. president, defeating Kamala Harris

Donald Trump has returned to the White House after securing the 270 electoral votes required for victory, an unprecedented comeback for the former president. In a closely contested election against Democratic opponent Kamala Harris, Trump’s victory came after winning the pivotal state of Wisconsin, the same state that was instrumental in his 2016 victory.

The Associated Press officially declared him the winner at 5:34 a.m. EST.

Trump’s success in Wisconsin, which provides 10 Electoral College votes, followed the early morning completion of vote counts in Milwaukee. Although Milwaukee’s last-minute count reduced Trump’s lead, it was insufficient to give Harris a path to victory.

This mirrored the pattern of Trump’s narrow Wisconsin victory in 2016, which marked the first Republican win in the state since Ronald Reagan’s era. Wisconsin was a focal point in both Trump and Harris’ campaigns, a battleground state that Trump had tried unsuccessfully to challenge in 2020 after his loss to Joe Biden.

As he claimed his win, Trump’s campaign strategy — marked by intense, personal attacks against Harris and a platform promising to reshape government and enact retribution against opponents — resonated with his core base.

Trump’s speeches consistently portrayed a nation under threat from, in his words, “violent migrants” and positioned himself as a staunch defender of America’s identity, often appealing to male voters in a politically divided nation. His return to the White House, despite legal battles and controversies, is seen by many supporters as a validation of his hardline approach.

This victory is all the more remarkable in light of Trump’s recent challenges. After a turbulent first term, he left office in 2020 without conceding to Biden, inciting controversy and a subsequent Capitol riot.

Following this, Trump faced numerous legal indictments and convictions, though his campaign continued to attract a dedicated following. His re-election signifies an endorsement of his agenda, which includes substantial restructuring of the federal government and promises of targeted policies against political adversaries.

The election results were met with congratulations from international leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on what he termed “history’s greatest comeback,” while affirming hopes for strengthened U.S.-Israel relations. French President Emmanuel Macron also extended a message, signalling readiness to work collaboratively on global stability and prosperity.

At a celebratory gathering in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump appeared on stage with key family members, including former first lady Melania Trump, their son Barron, and his older children, Don Jr., Eric, Ivanka, and Tiffany.

Key campaign advisors, such as Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, also joined Trump on stage, alongside political allies like newly appointed House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Celebrity endorsements punctuated the event, with UFC CEO Dana White and professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau joining Trump. Additionally, Elon Musk, the CEO of X and one of Trump’s high-profile supporters, was praised by Trump as “a new star.”

Addressing supporters, Trump struck a somewhat conciliatory tone, stating it was “time to put the divisions of the past four years behind us” and “unite” as a nation.

Although he acknowledged the intense division of his campaign, he called for Americans to “put our country first” and work towards national renewal.

The win underscores a deeply polarised landscape in the U.S., where Trump’s unique brand of politics has both invigorated his supporters and drawn stark opposition.

His second term promises a continuation of his nationalist, uncompromising approach to governance, reflecting a nation divided yet engaged in its democratic process.