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In a pivotal moment for American democracy, the 2024 U.S. presidential election gripped the nation, drawing record voter turnout and sparking debates on key issues such as the economy, healthcare, and climate policy. With stakes higher than ever, the election marked a defining chapter in the country’s political landscape, with President Donald J. Trump winning the White House for a second time.

This year’s election was headlined by two prominent figures: incumbent President Joe Biden, representing the Democratic Party, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican opponent. On July 21, 2024, President Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 United States presidential election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement. Both candidates pitched contrasting national visions, with Harris focusing on cost reduction for families, raising the minimum wage, and expanding child tax credits. She championed abortion rights, expressed support for Ukraine, and highlighted climate and healthcare achievements under the Biden administration. On the other hand, President Trump prioritized tax cuts, domestic energy production, and tariffs to protect U.S. industries. He vowed to complete the border wall, mass deport undocumented immigrants, and adopt isolationist foreign policies including ending the Ukraine war.

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election witnessed a record-breaking voter turnout: 65% of the eligible voting population. This underscores the heightened engagement of the electorate in a high-stakes contest.

States such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Maine stood out with turnout exceeding 70%, highlighting their historically active voter bases. Conversely, states like Oklahoma and Arkansas fell below the 55% threshold, continuing a trend of lower voter participation in certain regions. The significant turnout levels can be attributed to the polarized political climate, contentious policy debates, and the increased accessibility of early and mail-in voting.

The demographic breakdown of voters reveals stark divides in support between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Among voters without a college degree, Trump maintained a commanding lead, capitalizing on his appeal to working-class Americans with promises of economic revitalization and stricter immigration policies. In contrast, Harris found significant support among college-educated voters, particularly women, who were galvanized by her platform on reproductive rights and climate action.

Age and gender also played critical roles in voter preferences. Harris garnered strong support from younger women, especially those aged 18-44, who were drawn to her progressive social policies. Conversely, Trump solidified his base among older male voters, particularly those over 45, leveraging his messaging on traditional values and economic growth. The gender divide proved particularly pronounced, with suburban women emerging as a swing demographic in battleground states.

Racial and ethnic dynamics further defined the election. Trump made notable gains among Latino voters, particularly in Florida and Nevada, reflecting the appeal of his economic message and outreach to conservative-leaning communities. Meanwhile, Harris secured overwhelming support from Black voters, who turned out in large numbers to back her historic candidacy and advocacy for racial justice initiatives. The intersection of race, education, and geography shaped an election that underscored the complex and evolving nature of the American electorate.

On Nov. 10th, Donald Trump’s victory in all seven swing states —Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, and Georgia—confirmed his political resurgence. Each of these battlegrounds was fiercely contested, with Trump leveraging his populist messaging on economic recovery and border security to solidify his support among white working-class voters and an increasing share of Hispanic communities. His ability to flip Arizona, a state that narrowly voted for Biden in 2020, marked a key turning point. Voter concerns over inflation and the economy played to Trump’s strengths, helping him secure crucial margins in these decisive states. This clean sweep in the swing states propelled him to an Electoral College win with 312 votes, despite his 34 felony counts, 1 conviction, 2 pending legal cases, 2 impeachments, and 6 bankruptcies.

Economy and Inflation: Inflation has significantly impacted American households, raising the cost of food, housing, and energy. While inflation has eased in recent months, it remained a major concern for voters. VP Harris aimed to reduce food and housing costs, ban price-gouging, increase housing supply, and raise the minimum wage to help working families. President Trump planned to lower energy costs by expanding oil drilling and promised tax cuts to spur economic growth, while proposing mass deportations to ease housing pressure.

Immigration: The southern border crisis has seen record numbers of crossings, straining resources, and fueling political debate over immigration reform. Harris supports a mix of tougher enforcement against human trafficking and long-term regional investments to address the root causes of migration. She backed bipartisan immigration reform, while Trump advocated for completing the border wall, drastically increasing enforcement, and initiating the largest mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in U.S. history.

Abortion: The Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 left abortion rights to state legislatures, creating widespread disparities in access. Harris made abortion rights central to her campaign, vowing to codify reproductive rights into federal law. On the other hand, although instrumental in the Roe v. Wade overturn, Trump struggled with a consistent stance, often deferring the issue to individual states.

Climate Change: The U.S. faces increasing challenges from extreme weather events and the need to transition to sustainable energy while balancing economic growth. The VP supported renewable energy investments and electric vehicle incentives, continuing the Biden administration’s efforts through the Inflation Reduction Act. Trump opposed many green policies, focusing on energy independence by expanding oil and Arctic drilling while rolling back environmental regulations.

Healthcare: Millions of Americans still struggle with access to affordable healthcare, despite significant reforms under the Affordable Care Act. Harris supported reducing prescription drug prices, expanding Medicare and Medicaid, and capping insulin costs, while Trump promised to improve the Affordable Care Act without clear specifics while proposing taxpayer-funded fertility treatment, a move that was likely to face Republican opposition.

As Trump prepares for his second term, he is assembling a new administration reflective of his agenda. Campaign manager Susie Wiles, a key architect of his victory, will serve as White House Chief of Staff, becoming the first woman to hold the position under Trump. Speculation surrounds several high-profile roles, with names like Ric Grenell, former ambassador to Germany, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio being considered for key posts such as Secretary of State. Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a controversial figure in the anti-vaccine movement, is poised for a significant healthcare role, while Elon Musk, an outspoken Trump ally, may oversee government efficiency and waste reduction. The incoming administration signals a blend of loyalty and high-profile figures aimed at implementing Trump's policy agenda.

World leaders responded swiftly to Donald Trump’s election victory, reflecting both optimism and apprehension about his return to power. Allies like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated his “historic comeback,” viewing it as a reaffirmation of the U.S.-Israel alliance. European leaders, including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, extended congratulations, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic cooperation. Leaders in the Middle East, such as Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, expressed hopes for renewed peace efforts, while Qatar and Saudi Arabia welcomed the chance to strengthen regional ties. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted Trump’s “peace through strength” approach as key to resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking of, despite Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s hesitation to congratulate Trump since the US is an “unfriendly country,” President Vladimir Putin called President-elect Trump a “brave man,” congratulating him for his victory in a question-and-answer session at a press conference.

However, reactions were more cautious from nations like Iran, where officials reiterated that U.S. elections would not influence their policies, and China, which emphasized a consistent approach to bilateral relations regardless of leadership changes. The Kremlin, though measured in its official response, hinted at expectations of a less interventionist U.S. foreign policy under Trump. Across Latin America and Africa, leaders like Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu congratulated Trump while expressing hopes for economic cooperation and global stability. The diverse global reactions signify Trump’s polarizing impact and the high stakes tied to U.S. foreign policy under his leadership.