Donald Trump’s Historic Comeback: From Controversy to Victory as America’s 47th President.

Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States, marking an extraordinary comeback for the former president who had previously refused to concede defeat, ignited a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, faced felony convictions, and survived two assassination attempts.

Trump's victory was secured by winning the crucial swing states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, pushing him past the 270 electoral votes needed to reclaim the presidency. His focused campaign efforts included visits to key battlegrounds, making stops in each of the last three days before the election in an intense push to prevent Kamala Harris from gaining ground in these states.

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris managed to secure New Hampshire, continuing the state’s two-decade streak of awarding its four electoral votes to Democrats. She also carried Minnesota, with support from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, extending the state’s 52-year Democratic streak.

In a starkly divided nation, Americans made their choice on Tuesday in what has become one of the most consequential elections in recent history.

How is the U.S. President elected? Explained. 

The U.S. President is elected through a unique process known as the Electoral College system. Here’s how it works:

1. Primary Elections and Caucuses

First, each political party holds primary elections or caucuses in each state to choose their nominee for president. These primary processes vary by state and may be open (allowing any registered voter to participate) or closed (restricted to party members).

2. National Conventions

After the primaries and caucuses, each party holds a national convention where delegates officially select their presidential and vice-presidential nominees. The nominee then begins their general election campaign.

3. General Election

On Election Day, which falls on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, U.S. citizens vote for their preferred presidential candidate. However, they are actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to that candidate.

4. Electoral College

The Electoral College consists of 538 electors. Each state has a set number of electors equal to its total number of Senators and Representatives in Congress. Washington, D.C., has three electors. To win the presidency, a candidate must receive at least 270 electoral votes.

Most states have a "winner-takes-all" system, where the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state receives all its electoral votes. Maine and Nebraska use a proportional system where electoral votes can be split based on district-level results.

5. Electoral College Vote

In December, the chosen electors meet in their respective states to formally cast their votes for president and vice president. These votes are then sent to Congress.

6. Congress Certifies the Results

In early January, a joint session of Congress counts the electoral votes. If a candidate has 270 or more electoral votes, they are officially declared the President-elect.

7. Inauguration

On January 20, the President-elect is inaugurated and officially assumes office, beginning a four-year term.

This Electoral College system, while sometimes controversial, is designed to balance the influence of populous states with that of smaller states in presidential elections.