Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump, alongside former First Lady Melania Trump, greeted supporters at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa& Agencies
In a stunning victory, Republican candidate Donald Trump has secured the presidency, surpassing the 270 electoral votes needed to reclaim the White House, according to projections from The Associated Press.
Trump's return marks an unprecedented comeback, ending a closely fought race against Democratic rival Kamala Harris. At 78, Trump’s political resilience and ability to energize his base have propelled him back into office, reshaping American politics once again.
The 2024 race reflected an America deeply polarized and anxious about its future. From the outset, Trump’s campaign leaned heavily into themes of national dissatisfaction, honing in on economic concerns and rising mistrust in government.
Political analysts attribute his success not only to a formidable base but also to a campaign strategy that resonated with voters feeling increasingly disillusioned and insecure. Scott Lucas, an international politics professor at the University of Dublin, explained that Trump's message tapped into a strain of anger and resentment that has permeated American society for years.
"Since 9/11, through the financial crisis of 2008, and even during Trump’s first election in 2016, there’s been a kind of trauma in America," Lucas observed. "Trump has continually managed to channel that, presenting himself as the answer to the nation’s fears and frustrations.
Even though the economy has made real strides under the Biden administration, including lower inflation, strong growth at 3.5%, and record-low unemployment, those gains were often overshadowed by Trump’s campaign’s sheer intensity."
Trump’s ability to weave complex grievances into simple, direct messaging appears to have paid off, overshadowing Harris’s efforts to underscore her experience and the current administration's economic successes.
Across the globe, Trump's anticipated second term is being met with cautious interest, and in some cases, outright concern. In Beijing, the official response was measured, but beneath the formal restraint, there are clear anxieties about what a Trump presidency could mean for China’s struggling economy.
Trump’s first term saw a tumultuous relationship with China, initially promising warmth with President Xi Jinping but quickly spiraling into a trade war that disrupted markets and raised tensions. Reporting from Beijing, Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride noted that memories of Trump’s previous term have left Chinese officials wary of a renewed conflict.
With China already facing significant economic hurdles, including weakened growth and increased debt, there is concern that a revived U.S. trade offensive could lead to further economic strain.
In the Middle East, Trump's victory was celebrated by Israeli leaders eager for closer ties with a U.S. administration expected to support their policies without reservation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a congratulatory message to Trump, hailed what he called “history’s greatest comeback.” Netanyahu’s government is particularly optimistic about increased U.S. backing, especially given that Republicans have also gained control of the Senate, with a likely majority in the House.
Such a landscape presents an opportunity for Israel’s ruling coalition to move forward with plans that had been challenging under a Democratic-led White House.
One of the more controversial issues likely to resurface under Trump’s administration is a bill proposed by Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir. The bill seeks the death penalty for Palestinians involved in certain political and armed groups, a measure that has sparked international debate and criticism.
With Trump’s victory, Ben-Gvir and other right-wing Israeli officials may feel emboldened to press this and similar measures forward, particularly during the transition period between Biden’s term and Trump’s return to office. Biden’s administration, which has generally avoided placing substantial pressure on Netanyahu, is now less likely to intervene, leaving Israel’s government with a freer hand.
Trump’s victory may also bring new challenges to Palestinian advocacy in the U.S. With a Republican-dominated Senate and possible House majority, there could be renewed pressure on UN agencies like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides services to Palestinian refugees.
Critics of UNRWA, including many in the Republican party, have long argued for cutting U.S. funding to the organization, viewing it as biased. Under a Trump-led administration, any moves by the United Nations perceived as supporting Palestinian rights might face swift counteraction, further straining the complex geopolitics of the region.
As Trump prepares to re-enter the White House, global powers and American allies are bracing for what many expect to be a turbulent period. His approach to policy has often been unpredictable, favoring an assertive style that has at times unsettled the world order.
For the American public, his victory signals a renewed period of political division, while for international leaders, it represents a recalibration of the diplomatic landscape. What lies ahead is unclear, but for Trump’s supporters, his return offers a promise of stability rooted in national pride and self-reliance.
For his critics, it heralds a potentially fractious chapter both at home and abroad. As January approaches, leaders and citizens worldwide are preparing for the dawn of a new and potentially transformative era in U.S. history.