In a decisive election, Donald Trump has reclaimed the White House, buoyed by a public weary of foreign entanglements and seeking a shift in American priorities. His campaign, which emphasized a ‘peace through strength’ approach for the ‘Make America Great Again (MAGA)’ objective, struck a chord with a nation disillusioned by perceived overreach in international conflicts.
A critical factor in Trump’s resurgence was widespread voter dissatisfaction with the Harris administration’s foreign policies, particularly regarding the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. As Vice President, Harris was fully responsible for the US military support to the two wars which resulted in high casualties in Gaza and Ukraine. Her government’s approach of escalating conflicts without visible steps toward conflict resolution alienated a large number of Palestinians, Muslims and swing votes.
Trump’s narrative resonated with voters who wanted fewer resources directed overseas and more attention on domestic concerns. His promises of diplomacy-first policies and a restrained military stance offered an alternative to what many felt was a hawkish approach. Trump’s victory signals a significant shift, as the American electorate appears increasingly resistant to foreign intervention and more inclined to support policies that prioritize stability over military involvement. In choosing Trump, the voters have made clear they desire a reorientation of the US foreign policy.
The Harris-Biden administration’s policies on illegal immigration also became a key issue that alienated segments of their traditional Latino and Black voter bases. Opening borders for a massive number of illegal immigrants led to a surge in their population, placing strains on communities already dealing with economic and social challenges. For many Latino and Black voters in border states and urban centres, the administration’s approach seemed out of touch, with many feeling that their immediate economic and social needs were sidelined in favour of a policy that strained their neighbourhoods and led to rising competition for jobs and resources.
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Many legal immigrants saw this approach as inconsistent, creating mixed messages that neither addressed concerns about border security nor fully committed to supporting legal pathways for immigrants. Trump capitalized on these frustrations, positioning himself as a candidate who would prioritize the economic and social stability of existing communities and legal immigrants.
Trump’s challenge now will be to navigate complex global relationships while staying true to the promise of a more measured and less interventionist America and simultaneously make America great again.