EMMA PIRHALA / NEWS EDITOR

In a historic comeback, former President Donald Trump secured the presidency on election night. Trump became the second president in American history to return to office and serve non-consecutive terms. He also became the first convicted felon to be elected into the position. Not only did Trump win the electoral college, but he also won the popular vote by approximately 4 million votes. This election marked the first time that Trump has won the popular vote — which he lost to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden in 2016 and 2020, respectively. The newly re-elected president celebrated his victory with a speech at his election night rally in West Palm Beach, Fla.

“It is now clear that we have achieved the most incredible political thing,” the former president stated. “I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president and your 45th president … I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe and prosperous America that our children deserve and that you deserve. This will truly be the golden age of America.”

Trump’s supporters have expressed their excitement over his triumph. USD sophomore Caylie Miller voted for Trump in her native state of California. She voiced her joy for Trump’s return to the White House. 

“It is honestly so hard to describe in words how I feel,” Miller shared. “I guess the closest [feeling] is immense happiness and pride in my country and Trump. There is no one who deserves the position more than Trump. America is destined for great things these next four years.”

On the other side of the aisle, Vice President Kamala Harris waited until the next afternoon to give a message to the American people. Harris addressed her supporters at Howard University after calling Trump to congratulate him on his victory.

“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for,” Harris said. “But hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.”

Harris noted fears regarding the transfer of power and assured citizens that the two parties will collaborate peacefully during this period of transition. 

“Now, I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now,” Harris said. “I get it, but we must accept the results of this election. Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power. A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results.”

Trump did not make any comments regarding election integrity following his win. However, Max Read, a senior researcher at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue reported to CBS News that mentions of election integrity dropped on social media after Trump won. 

President-elect Donald Trump ramped up the crowd at a rally. Photo courtesy of @greeksfortrump/Instagram

Following Trump’s victory, the stock market boomed with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, leading indicators of the economy, closing at record highs the day after the election. Americans continued to ride the financial high as the Federal Reserve announced further cuts in interest rates. 

However, not all citizens are reaping benefits from Trump’s win. Some USD students are disappointed in the unexpected upset and defeat of the Harris-Walz campaign. USD junior Paris Thiele voted for Harris in her home state of Pennsylvania. The Keystone State was a major factor in Trump’s victory, where he gained 19 electoral votes. Thiele shared her disappointment in Harris’s defeat.

“I’d say the results of this election have caused me great confusion and shock,” Thiele explained. “They have caused me to question people’s integrity in saying that they love and support women, the environment, the lower class, and any other marginalized group. I am deeply saddened by this country’s apparent apathy for people who are suffering …. I’d say the results of this election have caused me great confusion and shock … I am deeply saddened by this country’s apparent apathy for people who are suffering.”

Trump will not assume the White House until Inauguration Day in January. However, the president-elect has been quick to appoint his new cabinet. Trump appointed his campaign co-chair Susie Wiles to be his chief of staff. As Trump prepares for his return to the Oval Office, questions swarm about who he will appoint to his cabinet and how he plans to “Make America Great Again.” 

President-elect Donald Trump speaks to supporters at his last rally. Photo courtesy of @teamtrump/Instagram