Donald Trump, the first president in the entire history of the United States to be criminally convicted, promised in his reelection campaign mass deportations, to pursue the "internal enemy" even with the military, revoke licenses from critical television channels, and punish his political rivals. Donald Trump, the second president in history to achieve non-consecutive terms, still refuses to acknowledge his 2020 loss, promised tariffs on neighbors and trading partners, threatened to break the largest and most successful military alliance in history, and end the war in Ukraine even before taking office, even if it means cutting military aid to Kiev. Donald Trump, the only contemporary politician who not only controls his party but also founded a movement, has repeatedly shown admiration for all authoritarian leaders on the planet and has been described in the past month as a "fascist" and the "greatest danger to the country" by those who know him best and worked with him in the White House. And yet, or precisely because of that, Americans have massively voted for him, giving him a resounding victory and almost unlimited powers.
His triumph has been total, undisputed, demoralizing for his rivals. Polls predicted a close, tight result, with Democrats possibly ahead in the popular vote. Trump garnered five million more votes [vote count still open], the first conservative in 20 years to achieve this. He crushed Kamala Harris in traditionally Republican states, significantly improved in traditionally Democratic states, and won one swing state after another, the South Belt and the Dust Belt. He swept among Hispanics, with unprecedented results. And among young men. He led his supporters in a historic day to regain control of the Senate and come close to winning the House of Representatives.
The country has shifted to the right, and Harris not only failed to recreate the winning coalition of 2020 but also witnessed changes that were generally in the opposite direction. A significant number of citizens have openly stated that they prefer what Trump offers, from the end of globalization to protectionism, from cultural wars to abandoning historical partners, rather than what progressive elites, with their identity, climate, and inclusive policies, offer. Bill Clinton reiterated throughout the summer: Americans, especially in times of turmoil, want leaders who appear strong, not leaders who are right. Trump painted a Hobbesian world, violent, dangerous. A country in decline, ruined, threatened. Harris presented a Kantian world, optimistic, hopeful, full of opportunities, "the greatest idea ever conceived." It is clear who was more successful.
In the early hours of Tuesday, euphoric, surrounded by dozens of family and close friends, from Elon Musk to Dana White, the president of the main martial arts organization, celebrated his victory by showing his most conciliatory and peaceful side. To that declining empire, he promised a quick and hopeful cure. "We will heal our country. I will not rest until we have a prosperous and safe America. It will be America's golden age," he assured. "America has given us a powerful and unprecedented mandate, with control of the Senate. We have won everything widely, the MAGA movement has won. God saved my life for a reason: to restore America's greatness, and we will fulfill that mission together," he emphasized.
At that time, Kamala Harris had already assumed but not acknowledged defeat and had withdrawn. She did not appear before the thousands of supporters who had been waiting for her for hours in the gardens of Howard University in Washington DC, where she studied. A campaign chief said she would speak on Wednesday, following the same script as Hillary Clinton in 2016. In the morning, before her anticipated concession speech, she called the president-elect, and according to her team, "congratulated him on his victory and discussed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans.
The outcome of this November 5th is transformative for American society, polarized and divided in two, and crucial for the rest of the world, from China to the Middle East, from Ukraine to Latin America, passing through NATO, Ukraine, and Russia. It is a cliché but nonetheless true: the world was on edge, and now it trembles.
Not only has a politician prevailed, but also a disruptive way of understanding politics, the economy, and international relations. It is a victory that emboldens illiberal and authoritarian regimes, leaves rivals stunned, analysts puzzled, and pollsters in a bad light, as they took refuge for weeks in technical ties, unable to detect, once again, support for someone who has forever shattered the norms.
In 2015, Donald Trump was an outsider, one of many worldwide who knew how to channel anger, rage, and anti-politics. In 2024, not anymore. There are no more surprises, ignorance, self-deception that it's all bark and no bite. He is exactly what he shows. With undeniable talent and a perfectly executed campaign, he has capitalized on all the frustration of several generations for various reasons. He has managed to attract lifelong Republicans wary of the state and the skeptical MAGA universe of cryptobros, entrepreneurs, who not only distrust the state, Reagan-style, but also do not believe in science, experts, federal agencies.
In the coming weeks, there will be details for every district, street, county, race, gender, and profession. We know that many millions of citizens voted for him because of the economy. The macro numbers during Joe Biden's term are good, notably better than during the billionaire's term, but the public feels suffocated by inflation (at 2%) and the cost of living. Despite low unemployment and rising wages, the negative perception is undeniable. As is Biden's low popularity rating, and by association, that of his vice president.
But we also know that the USA has voted for a revolution that will come hand in hand with its leader, politicians, and the Supreme Court. He pledged to shatter the status quo and the establishment, even though he is now part of it, and they expect him to do so. He has the resources to achieve the deepest transformation in many decades, leaving a legacy for generations.
Alternative to a "petty tyrant"
Harris presented herself as the change, being the country's vice president. She positioned herself as the alternative to a "petty tyrant", but a country that has seen him daily on television for nine years and had him as president for four years does not seem frightened by the wolf. She spoke of improvements, opportunities, but with very few concrete proposals. Trump's ideas may be controversial, radical, often irrational, but he openly expresses them. From deporting immigrants to imposing tariffs. Reviving protectionism, putting America first, competing against rivals and friends. Lowering taxes, reducing the deficit, cutting federal funding to schools teaching "critical race theory" and "transgender" issues.
Instead of feeling offended or scandalized by his lies and conspiracy theories, starting with the one about massive electoral fraud, a majority of Americans believe that Trump is sincere, genuine. Instead of dismissing him for having been convicted, or for the agreements he signed in the past to avoid other convictions, millions of followers support him as a victim of the "deep state" persecution and proudly wear T-shirts that say: "I vote for a felon." A week ago, in his closing arguments before 75,000 people at the Ellipse, the park in front of the White House, Harris attacked Trump by stating that the America he speaks of "is not who we are". It seems that, in that too, the vice president was mistaken.