Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election against Kamala Harris, becoming the 47th president and the first to serve two nonconsecutive terms since Grover Cleveland. At 78 years old, Trump is also the oldest person to win a U.S. presidential election.
This election is notable for Trump's unprecedented milestones, including being the first former president to be convicted of crimes and impeached twice while successfully reclaiming the presidency. Trump takes office while facing multiple active federal and state criminal charges.
The election also highlights the rise of Trump's running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, who is now first in the presidential line of succession at just 40 years old.
The 2024 election cycle saw significant shifts, particularly after President Biden withdrew from the race. Biden's withdrawal allowed Harris to become the Democratic candidate, forcing Trump to adjust his campaign strategy.
Trump's campaign gained momentum after an assassination attempt during a rally, which resulted in the death of a rally attendee and a graze on Trump's ear. Trump's response to the incident rallied his supporters and garnered media attention.
While Harris won a debate against Trump, polls indicated a tightening race as the election approached, with Trump effectively shifting blame for issues onto Harris.
Trump's second administration is expected to pursue an ambitious and controversial agenda, including deep tax cuts, mass deportations, and changes to foreign relations. Trump also plans to impose heavy tariffs, which could impact American consumers. His policies could have implications for traditional financial markets and the cryptocurrency sector.
Trump has also made promises regarding criminal justice and foreign affairs, such as pardoning supporters involved in the Capitol riots and seeking a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. His intention to appoint a vaccine skeptic to oversee health policy raises questions about the future of public health initiatives.
As Trump prepares to take office, there is uncertainty surrounding his administration's approach to governance, given his controversial past and ongoing legal challenges. The administration's policies could influence the intersection of traditional finance and emerging technologies like cryptocurrencies.