Donald Trump made one of the most stunning comebacks in the US political history, sweeping all the swing states, as he secured more than 270 electoral college votes required to defeat his opponent, incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, in the US presidential election 2024. The 78-year-old bagged 280 votes while Harris is at 224.
"We are going to help our country heal, fix our borders, we made history for a reason tonight. We have achieved the most incredible political win. I want to thank the American people. I will fight for you and your family with every breath in my body," said Trump, describing the Republican campaign as the "greatest political movement of all time".
The Republican president-elect has achieved several historical firsts in his march to the White House.
One of them is a 132-year-old record by former President Grover Cleveland. Trump will be only the second president after Cleaveland to serve non-consecutive terms, a feat that was last accomplished in 1897. Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the US, serving from 1885 to 1889 and from 1893 to 1897. Trump's first term was between 2016 and 2020. He had to wait for four more years to secure a second term – Trump failed to win a second straight term after losing to Joe Biden in the 2020 election race.
Joe Biden, who quit the presidential race over growing concern over his health, will turn 82 on November 20, making him the oldest sitting President.
Also, Trump will become the first Republican to win the popular vote in 20 years, according to the New York Times.
Twice Impeached President
Trump is set to take oath on January 20, 2025. Following his oath, he will become the only President in US history to face impeachment proceedings twice during his time in office. However, he was acquitted on all counts by the Senate in both the cases.
The first impeachment was initiated in 2019 over allegations that Trump secretly sought help from Ukraine to investigate one of the frontrunners who would contest against him in the 2020 presidential election. It was reported that Trump froze $400 million in military aid to Ukraine to put pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as his country fought a war with Russia.
Trump was impeached for the second time on January 13, 2021, one week before his term expired, for allegedly inciting the January 6 US Capitol violence.
First Convicted Felon To Hold Office
Trump will also be the first US President to hold office while facing legal indictment. He was convicted of 34 felony counts in New York in May, but is yet to be sentenced, and a trial is scheduled on November 26.
The 78-year-old Republican has been accused of falsifying business records tied to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 presidential election. Trump has, however, denied the allegations and has pleaded not guilty.