Donald J. Trump has reclaimed the presidency, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 US Presidential Election. With promises to turbocharge the economy and enforce stricter immigration policies, Trump has once again captured the support of a significant portion of the American electorate.
According to a report, NBC News announced Trump’s victory early Wednesday, marking a milestone as Harris became the first woman of color to secure a major-party presidential nomination. Harris stepped up to lead the Democratic campaign after President Joe Biden opted not to pursue a second term, following a challenging debate performance in June.
On Wednesday morning, Kamala Harris conceded the race to Trump with a call made from Howard University in Washington, DC. Addressing her supporters, she emphasized the importance of unity and assured a peaceful transition of power. Trump's return to the Oval Office occurs at a time when the nation is deeply divided by social, racial, cultural, and economic issues—many of which he spotlighted during his campaign.
“This was the greatest political movement of all time,” Trump declared to an enthusiastic crowd in West Palm Beach, Florida, just after 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday. “Now it’s going to reach a new level of importance because we’re going to help our country heal.” Trump's path to victory was solidified through key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin, which he managed to win back after losing them in the 2020 election. Close contests in Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada further cemented his Electoral College win.
As former President Donald Trump is set to take back the White House, many Americans are rightfully concerned about what lies ahead. Trump’s win over Vice President Kamala Harris marks more than just a political shift—it signals the beginning of significant changes that could deeply impact the nation. While the election results have energized his supporters, they have also raised alarm bells for many who fear the consequences of his policies and the rise of a more authoritarian government. Here's why Americans should be worried.
The 2024 election has exposed uncomfortable truths about the biases in American politics. Kamala Harris, despite being the first woman of color to secure a major-party presidential nomination, faced blatant sexism and racism that overshadowed her qualifications. Harris has a distinguished career as a U.S. senator, the attorney general of California, and vice president under President Joe Biden. Yet, in this election, many voters seemed more focused on her gender and race than her experience and achievements.
While Trump’s political flaws and controversial past have often been criticized, it’s clear that many voters chose him not just for his promises, but also because of deep-seated prejudice. The reality of sexism and racism continues to hinder progress toward gender and racial equality, with Harris's loss proving that despite qualification and experience, the nation is still grappling with these biases.
The Rise of Project 2025
One of the most alarming developments in the wake of Trump’s victory is the rise of Project 2025, a detailed blueprint for transforming the U.S. government in line with conservative values. Spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, this initiative is designed to overhaul the federal government and bring sweeping changes to the executive branch. Project 2025 is built around four key pillars: a policy guide for the next president, a database of potential administration personnel, training programs for these individuals, and a 180-day action plan for the new president.
Though Trump distanced himself from Project 2025 during his campaign, this agenda remains closely tied to his platform. The proposed changes are extensive, touching every corner of the federal government. From dismantling agencies to reducing regulatory powers, this project could drastically reshape the government’s role in citizens' lives, potentially eroding protections for the environment, workers' rights, and public health.
The Republican Majority
With Trump’s return to power, the Republican Party now controls every branch of the U.S. government. This concentration of power is unprecedented, giving Republicans an opportunity to push through their most extreme policies without opposition. The Senate, House of Representatives, and Supreme Court are all under conservative influence, making it harder for progressive voices to be heard.
The implications of this are deeply concerning. With such control, Republicans could pass laws that roll back civil rights protections, limit access to healthcare, and undermine public education. The balance of power in the U.S. government, a key tenet of the country’s democratic system, is in jeopardy.
Overturning Roe v. Wade and Affirmative Action
Trump’s administration is expected to push forward with conservative agenda items that could set back decades of progress. The overturn of Roe v. Wade and the end of affirmative action were just the beginning. As president, Trump could take further steps to limit reproductive rights, restrict voting access, and roll back civil rights protections for minorities.
The far-reaching effects of such decisions will disproportionately affect women, minorities, and vulnerable communities. With a Republican-controlled Congress and a conservative Supreme Court, it’s likely that these policies will be enshrined into law, further dividing the nation along ideological lines.
What Lies Ahead for America?
Looking forward, the potential for increasing authoritarianism is real. Trump’s victory brings with it the prospect of further consolidating power in the executive branch, leaving little room for checks and balances. The policy agenda outlined in Project 2025 presents a vision for a government that prioritizes conservative ideals at the expense of the public good.
The push for tax cuts for the wealthy, dismantling social safety nets, and empowering the private sector could lead to greater inequality and social unrest. Meanwhile, Trump’s rhetoric, which has often been divisive, is likely to continue stoking fear and division across the country.
Americans have every reason to be concerned about the future under Trump’s second term. The rise of Project 2025, the consolidation of power by the Republican Party, and the potential rollback of civil rights protections all point to a dangerous future. It’s a future where the voices of marginalized groups could be silenced, the government’s role in regulating business and protecting citizens could be drastically reduced, and the country’s democratic principles could be weakened.
As Americans move forward into this new era, the challenges will be immense. Now, more than ever, it’s important to stay informed and engaged, advocating for the values of equality, fairness, and justice in the face of a growing conservative agenda. The coming years will test the strength of American democracy—and the fight for its future has only just begun.
Author: Riaa Daniels
Riaa Daniels is a versatile and experienced reporter and writer, specializing in worldwide politics, entertainment, and business. She brings a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling to her work.