After winning a decisive majority in the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, Republican Donald Trump addressed his supporters at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Wednesday, calling his campaign “a movement like nobody has seen before.” He also described the election as the most significant political movement in history, expressing gratitude to Americans for electing him as the 47th President.
Assassination Attempt on Trump
A critical moment in the campaign was an assassination attempt on Trump, which not only energized his base but also shifted broader public opinion in his favor, painting him as a resilient figure targeted by the so-called “deep state.”
“I will fight for you and your family. I will fight with every breath,” vowed the 78-year-old leader.
The past six months have been a tumultuous period in U.S. politics, with Biden stepping out of the race and Kamala Harris taking the lead, temporarily boosting her standing in the polls. However, her appeal to voters waned quickly.
Harris encountered challenges in articulating a compelling message, and her struggle to counter Trump’s firm stance on key issues like immigration left her campaign vulnerable.
Here are six key factors that have worked to Trump’s advantage and helped him to win the election.
Trump had a firm stance on Illegal Immigration
From his initial presidency, Donald Trump has been an outspoken supporter of “Make in America” policies, taking a strong stand against illegal immigration. His 2016 campaign emphasized the narrative that foreign nationals were taking American jobs. During his presidency, he initiated construction on the Mexican border wall, increased deportations, and introduced stricter legal immigration policies to make entry more challenging.
In this election, Trump has maintained this hardline approach, criticizing Biden’s handling of the southern border. He has also targeted Kamala Harris, referring to her as the “border czar” and blaming her for the ongoing border issues. In one debate, he even claimed, controversially, that illegal immigrants in Ohio were harming communities, which some fact-checkers debunked.
Anti-Incumbency Sentiment
Trump has leveraged public discontent by labeling U.S. aid to Ukraine as inappropriate, vowing to end it. Many voters see him as a decisive leader who could address international conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East while curbing inflation.
In a recent poll, 53% of respondents chose Trump as the more capable leader for safeguarding the U.S. from foreign threats.
Influence of Elon Musk
Over the past six months, Elon Musk has emerged as a significant asset to Trump’s campaign. The billionaire has not only contributed over $119 million to America PAC but has also been actively campaigning, particularly in the key state of Pennsylvania. His social media platform, X, has become a central venue for pro-Trump messages, with some banned conservative figures now resurfacing there to criticize Kamala Harris.
A Network of Influential Allies
Trump’s allies have painted Harris as a weak contender, citing her difficulty in handling tough interviews and policy questions. In contrast, Trump’s potential administration is seen as a team of strong personalities, including Elon Musk, JD Vance, Robert Kennedy Jr., and Vivek Ramaswamy. This strengthened Trump’s image as a decisive leader backed by influential figures.
Trump Legal Issues on Hold
Trump’s four criminal cases could face delays if he wins the presidency, potentially postponing trials and sentencing for at least four years. In contrast, a loss could lead to swift legal proceedings, including sentencing for charges related to hush money payments and ongoing cases concerning the 2020 election.
Without a presidential win, Trump’s legal challenges would become more urgent, and previously dismissed cases might be reopened if he loses the protection of the presidency.
Read More: Trump Secures Historic Victory: Promises A Golden Age For America In Passionate Victory Speech
