Donald Trump reclaims the U.S. presidency as the 47th President, marking a historic comeback with strong electoral support and global reactions, including India’s warm congratulations.
Donald Trump Returns as 47th President of the United States.
New Delhi: In a historic comeback, Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States, defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. With this victory, Trump becomes the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms, joining Grover Cleveland in the annals of American politics. Trump’s campaign, powered by his promise to restore American strength and prosperity, galvanized his base and secured key wins across battleground states.
Trump’s Path to Victory: Key States and Electoral Map Breakdown
Trump’s decisive win came after securing 292 Electoral College votes, surpassing the 270 required for victory, while Harris concluded with 224 votes. Trump’s success in battleground states such as Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin played a crucial role in his electoral triumph, with each state providing critical support in his comeback bid. Other states that propelled Trump to victory include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Harris, meanwhile, found support in traditionally Democratic states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Despite strong efforts in battleground states, Harris could not overcome Trump’s lead, marking the end of her bid to make history as the first female president.
A “Spectacular Victory”: Modi and Trump Exchange Warm Congratulations
Shortly after his victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India extended congratulations to Trump, acknowledging the “spectacular victory.” Modi’s prompt outreach underscored the warmth between the two leaders, who have shared a notably close relationship. Modi stated on X that he had a “great conversation” with Trump and expressed enthusiasm for “working closely together once again to further strengthen India-U.S. relations across technology, defense, energy, space, and several other sectors.”
During their conversation, Trump reportedly praised Modi, calling him a “magnificent man” and India a “magnificent country.” He further expressed appreciation for Modi’s leadership, adding that he considered India a “true friend” and that Modi was among the first world leaders he contacted after his win. Trump’s remarks highlighted his commitment to fortifying the U.S.-India partnership, a relationship that has grown significantly in recent years under both leaders’ watch.
Trump’s Historic Win Amidst Political and Legal Challenges
Trump’s win in 2024 follows a highly charged campaign marked by contentious debates and record-breaking voter turnout. Nearly 80 million Americans cast their ballots early, with voter engagement reaching unprecedented levels in key states. Trump’s return to the presidency is particularly remarkable given that he faced ongoing criminal investigations, yet emerged victorious in a show of political resilience.
For Harris, a win would have also been historic, as she sought to become the first woman and the first person of Black and South Asian descent to hold the U.S. presidency. As Vice President under Joe Biden, Harris broke barriers and championed progressive policies. Biden’s decision not to seek re-election due to age-related health issues put Harris in the spotlight, but despite a strong campaign, she could not secure the necessary support in critical states.
A Unique Bond: Trump and Modi’s Collaborative History
Trump and Modi’s relationship has been marked by a series of high-profile events. In 2019, they shared the stage at the “Howdy, Modi!” rally in Houston, Texas, symbolizing a deepening partnership between India and the U.S. In February 2020, Modi reciprocated with a warm reception for Trump at the “Namaste Trump” rally in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as thousands gathered to witness the diplomatic spectacle.
Trump has consistently praised Modi, calling him “fantastic” and “a friend of mine,” though he has also critiqued certain aspects of U.S.-India trade relations. In a recent campaign event in Michigan, Trump called India a “big abuser” in trade with the U.S. but emphasized his admiration for Modi’s leadership. On a podcast, he described Modi as “great” and “a total killer” in his approach, underscoring both respect and candid acknowledgment of India’s trade policies.
A Message of Renewal: Trump’s Vision for a “Golden Age of America”
Declaring his win “the greatest political movement of all time,” Trump spoke of a “golden age” for America, promising to prioritize domestic growth and strong international alliances. His campaign emphasized restoring economic prosperity, reforming immigration, and enhancing military capabilities. With J.D. Vance as his Vice President-elect, Trump is set to take the oath of office on January 20, 2025, marking the beginning of his second presidential term.
Trump’s agenda, which many interpret as an America-first approach, includes an anticipated emphasis on recalibrating the U.S. stance in international relations, trade agreements, and military commitments. During his previous term, Trump sought to renegotiate key trade deals, redefine relations with NATO, and adopt a more restrained approach to U.S. foreign interventions, with particular attention to U.S.-China and U.S.-Iran dynamics.
Global Reactions: A Mixed International Response
Reactions to Trump’s victory have poured in from leaders around the world, with many congratulating the president-elect while others express concern over his possible policies. The U.S. president’s approach to international issues such as climate change, global trade, and defense spending is anticipated to differ significantly from his predecessor’s, which could influence U.S. relations with European allies, China, and other global powers.
India’s response, led by Modi, highlights the importance of the U.S.-India partnership amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes in the Indo-Pacific region. India sees Trump’s return as an opportunity to deepen collaboration across technology, defense, and energy sectors. Modi’s commitment to working with Trump for “global peace, stability, and prosperity” underscores India’s aspirations to align with the U.S. in regional security and trade.
The 2024 Election and Its Broader Impact on American Society
The 2024 election was a defining moment for American society, reflecting an ideological divide. Trump’s victory signals a return to conservative values, emphasizing economic nationalism and limited government intervention. In contrast, Harris campaigned on progressive policies, advocating climate action, healthcare reform, and social inclusivity. The contrasting visions of the two candidates showcased the nation’s polarized political landscape, with each side representing distinct approaches to governance.
Meanwhile, voters across the country also decided on several state-level policies. Thirteen gubernatorial races, numerous state legislature seats, and state-level referendums covered critical issues like abortion, healthcare, and voting rights, shaping local and national policy debates. These results, alongside Trump’s victory, reflect the complex political pulse of the United States in 2024.
A New Chapter in U.S. Politics
Trump’s victory ushers in a new chapter in American politics, with both domestic and international implications. His return to the White House, bolstered by strong support across key states, represents a reassertion of conservative principles and the promise of a revitalized America. Modi’s early outreach underscores the strength of the U.S.-India relationship, promising a collaborative future as the two leaders prepare to navigate global challenges together.
As the Trump administration prepares for a second term, the world watches closely, anticipating how this new era will unfold. With major priorities on the table, from trade reform to national security, Trump’s presidency promises to shape the global political landscape for years to come.
