As the 2024 presidential election ends, the landslide victory of President-elect Donald J. Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris 312-226, emerges not merely as a political event but as a historic moment that signals a return to strong, decisive leadership. Trump’s non-consecutive terms in office underscore an unprecedented chapter in American political history, reflecting both resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving national challenges. His administration’s policies have consistently emphasized economic revitalization, national security through robust immigration measures, and educational reforms that prioritize local control—elements crucial for fostering a prosperous society.
The context surrounding this election is marked by significant shifts in public sentiment regarding governance effectiveness and economic stability; many Americans are yearning for the assertive leadership style that characterized Trump’s first term. Notably, his economic strategies have been pivotal in job creation and stimulating growth across key sectors, positioning him as a candidate capable of navigating post-pandemic recovery. Furthermore, Trump’s immigration policies aim to enhance national security while addressing the complexities of border management—a critical concern for voters across various demographics, with over 40% of people during exit polls calling for the deportation of illegal immigrants.
In education, his vision promotes empowering local communities to make decisions that directly impact their students’ futures, thereby fostering innovation and accountability within school systems. As Americans delve deeper into these themes—examining swing states’ dynamics and Republican Senate support—it becomes clear that Trump’s 2024 win represents not just a continuation of previous policies but an opportunity to solidify a transformative legacy for America’s future.
The central issue regarding Trump’s election concerns allegations against him, as he faced 34 counts of falsifying business records. These charges were initially classified as misdemeanors under New York Penal Law § 175.05, which defines Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree. However, they were elevated to felonies under § 175.10, which applies when falsifications are intended to aid in the commission of another crime. Prosecutors justified this elevation by alleging a connection to election law violations—a novel and controversial legal theory. Critics argue that this approach stretched the law, framing what might have been routine bookkeeping violations as election interference.
Additionally, it is important to clarify that the Associated Press recommends using person-first language when describing someone convicted of a felony, which is a policy not often followed in Trump’s case. Furthermore, all charges against him in the 2020 election case have since been dropped, due to the prosecutor agreeing to leave the case.
However, most of Trump’s supporters don’t care so much about his charges, as much as they do about his policies. The economy during the Obama tenure was, in fact, the worst of its time. In the eight years Obama was in office, the average GDP growth according to the Federal Reserve was, 1.5%, compared to the 2.1% of his predecessor, George W. Bush. Additionally, Obama’s highest year of real GDP growth was only 2.6%, which is far behind his predecessor’s best year, at 3.8%. Obama couldn’t manage the post-recession economy, which led to high promises with no return. Trump, however, provided consistent results. Not only did the unemployment rate fall to the lowest in 50 years, but, he also added over 6 million jobs in all segments (excluding the pandemic).
It also doesn’t fail to mention that the changes and increases towards the Child Tax Credit, which the Biden administration is credited with, was part of Trump’s 2017 Economic Plan. Trump’s tax cuts grew real median household income by an average of $5,000 (as proven in a House session) and real wages rose almost 5.0%. The economy grew over a point faster than projected because of Trump’s tax cuts and policies.
Additionally, many people voted for Trump’s tariffs. Trump’s tariffs are centralized over putting America first in manufacturing. America peaked in manufacturing circa 1980, and when NAFTA (The North American Free Trade Agreement) was signed in 1992, the manufacturing industry in America toppled down drastically. NAFTA allows for free trade, meaning without any tariffs, between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, which in turn harmed the USA’s manufacturing industry. Additionally, as soon as Trump announced his tariffs, Mexico immediately caught two cartels heading toward America. This emphasizes the impact of tariffs on cartel activities. When tariffs are imposed, they can disrupt the economic balance and trade relations between countries. In this case, Trump’s tariffs on Mexico were part of a broader strategy to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The announcement of these tariffs likely heightened the urgency for cartels to move their operations, as they anticipated increased border security and economic pressure. This connection underscores how economic policies, like tariffs, can have immediate and significant effects on criminal activities and international relations.
When the Federal income tax, replacing the tariffs, was announced in 1913, the value of the dollar plummeted significantly, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Unknown to many people, this significantly contributed to the Great Depression. Trump’s tariffs, in general, are aimed at bringing back manufacturing sectors to America and raising the value of the dollar, thereby lowering inflation.
Continuing, Trump has been extremely vocal about the mass deportation of illegal immigrants. Illegal immigration not only denies resources to people who immigrated properly, but also causes a net fiscal drain. Illegal immigrants, on average, receive more resources than they give back to their community. On average, according to the House Budget Committee, over $42 billion is allocated to illegal immigrants each year. This number is an underestimate, however, due to limitations.
In New York alone, migrants were granted prepaid debit cards, with paid hotel rooms. That money came out of the tax expenditure. A large group of New Yorkers including migrants protested deportation policies soon after President-Elect Trump was declared the winner of the race. Additionally, in Aurora, Colo., an apartment complex management company says that illegal immigrants from the Venezuelan gang Tran De Aragua had taken over multiple apartment complexes.
A mass deportation would conserve resources and ease residents’ minds. Additionally, Chapter 15, Title 10 of the U.S. Code allows the Federal armed forces to assist with law enforcement, and 32 U.S.C 502(f)(2)(a) permits the president to request states to deploy their National Guard. This, combined with the Alien Enemies Act, makes it possible for Trump to carry out mass deportation the way he says he will.
Trump has consistently been referred to as a misogynist and a racist; however, examining his choices for cabinet, clearly demonstrates the opposite. Trump has been committed to finding the best options for America’s leadership. Leaders from both sides of the aisle, have come together and formed the proposed cabinet for Trump’s tenure, which further shows a commitment to an America representing all.
Looking at a more local level, Trump has vowed to abolish the Department of Education. This is because education is not mandated at the Federal level according to the Constitution, and there is nowhere that says it should be. Abolishing the Department of Education is extremely important as well. Before the introduction of the Department of Education, America had a higher literacy rate, as well as higher test scores according to The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal. Since then, test scores as well as literacy rates have plummeted. The Department of Education is still following the assembly line training pattern, and the education system hasn’t evolved since then. Students are still being treated like they are factory workers. However, the concern about getting rid of the Department of Education is the supposed abolishment of FAFSA. However, FAFSA will be routed to the Department of Treasury according to the proposed bill by Senator Mike Rounds.
All in all, Trump has consistently vowed to put Americans first, as well as our legal migrants. Four years of a Trump presidency will focus on the people, and do what’s right.