Donald Trump wins, becomes first US President in over a century to secure a non-consecutive second term

Washington: Donald Trump has won the U.S. presidential election, defeating Kamala Harris in a dramatic political comeback that has reverberated globally, according to projections from multiple media outlets.

CNN reported that Trump secured 276 electoral votes, with Harris trailing at 219 as vote counting continues.

Though the campaign suggested a tight race, the results came in swiftly, delivering a decisive victory that included key wins in swing states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Trump has now become the first president in over a century to secure a non-consecutive second term and the only individual elected while a convicted felon. He faces sentencing in a New York court for fraud on November 26.

Grover Cleveland was the first  U.S. president to win two non-consecutive terms. He served as the 22nd president from 1885 to 1889, lost the 1888 election, and then returned as the 24th president from 1893 to 1897. This made him unique among U.S. presidents, as he holds two different numerical positions in the presidential sequence. Now Trump become the second such president of the USA.

Controversial Political Career

Donald Trump’s political career has been marked by a range of controversies, making him one of the most polarizing figures in recent U.S. history. His statements, policies, and actions have sparked heated debates on issues from race and immigration to media relations and foreign policy. Here are a few areas where controversies have followed him:

1. Statements and Communication Style
Trump is known for his blunt, often divisive rhetoric, especially on social media. His tweets and public statements have frequently drawn criticism for being inflammatory or insensitive, leading to both condemnation and loyal support.
2. Immigration Policies
Trump’s hardline immigration stance, particularly around the construction of a border wall and his “zero tolerance” policy that led to family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border, was met with widespread backlash. Critics argued these policies were overly harsh and lacked compassion, while supporters saw them as necessary for national security.
3. Legal Troubles and Investigations
Trump’s tenure has been shadowed by multiple investigations, including two impeachments and several ongoing legal battles post-presidency. His handling of classified documents, alleged involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and recent fraud conviction have kept him in the legal spotlight, adding complexity to his political narrative.
4. Handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Trump’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic faced intense scrutiny. His statements downplaying the virus’s severity, coupled with mixed messaging on public health measures like mask-wearing and social distancing, led to criticism from health experts and political opponents. His administration’s vaccine rollout, however, was praised by some for its rapidity.
5. Relations with the Media
Trump’s combative relationship with the media, which he often referred to as “fake news,” set a new tone for presidential communication. His distrust of traditional media outlets and favoring of direct communication through social media reshaped the dynamic between the presidency and the press.
6. Foreign Relations
Trump’s foreign policy decisions, including his approach to NATO, strained traditional alliances while his outreach to North Korea’s Kim Jong-un sparked debate. His dealings with Russia, including perceived leniency toward Vladimir Putin, became focal points in his presidency and raised questions about American foreign policy direction.
7. Election Integrity and January 6 Capitol Attack
Trump’s claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election and his alleged role in the events leading to the January 6 Capitol attack brought his influence under intense scrutiny. His rhetoric around election integrity continues to fuel divisions within the U.S. political landscape.
Each of these controversies has cemented Trump’s reputation as a highly unconventional political figure, revered by his supporters as a disruptive force and criticized by opponents as a destabilizing one. His unique approach to politics and governance has left a lasting mark on American political discourse.