Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
Donald Trump has done it again. Not only is he back in the White House, but he’s also making history as the first former president to win a second, non-consecutive term. With the Republicans now in control of the Senate and likely to gain the House, Trump’s comeback packs serious momentum.
In a pre-victory speech, he was quick to thank supporters like Elon Musk (who just launched a rocket) and his new Vice President, J.D. Vance. Though he hadn’t yet reached the final count of 270 electoral votes, Trump didn’t hesitate to take the stage, claiming victory after capturing over 5 million more popular votes than his opponent.
“There’s a reason why God spared my life, and that is to save the country,” Trump declared. He sounded surprisingly relaxed, ditching the typical “politician talk” for something a bit more down-to-earth. The tone was clear: he’s here to push forward his agenda, to get things done his way, and he wants the country’s support.
What won him the Presidency?
Immigration and the economy seem to have been Trump’s winning cards this election. His tough stance on immigration—specifically, his promise to speed up deportations of undocumented immigrants by reviving the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—clearly struck a chord with many Americans who feel immigration issues have gone too far. “Put America first” may be a simple phrase, but it captures exactly what millions of voters wanted to hear.
It didn’t hurt that Trump also appealed to businesses. He pledged to cut corporate taxes and roll back environmental regulations that he claims are stifling American industries. Unsurprisingly, big oil and other sectors were eager to see him return, and many jumped on board to back his campaign.
This focus on internal affairs signals that the U.S. under Trump could take a step back from the global stage. His more inward-looking approach leaves countries like Ukraine and allies like Israel wondering how American support may shift. The potential for a more isolationist stance has left many abroad—and even at home—wondering about the future.
A call for unity
Trump’s speech had a surprisingly hopeful edge. He called for Americans to come together, praising the “geniuses” that make the country great and urging everyone to unite to rebuild. For those who are tired of politics as usual, this was an invitation to focus on progress. But Trump’s polarizing style has always been a point of tension. His plain, often blunt way of speaking connects with some, but others see it as more of a playground bully’s tactic.
But Trump seems intent on making this term count. He’s already hinted at major changes for businesses and the economy, and he’s got a Republican-led Senate ready to back him up. Americans remain divided on how far his reach should go—especially on social issues like abortion. Though he’s been against Roe v. Wade, he seems open to a state-by-state approach, giving each state more control.
After a heated election season, the U.S. feels more split than ever, but Trump’s supporters see him as the kind of “outsider” who can shake things up. With a second term secured, he’s expected to lean into his promises, especially around immigration and “America First” policies. For many, it’s a welcome return to traditional values; for others, it’s a step backward.
As Americans—and even folks in Cyprus—watch closely to see how Trump handles his second term, there’s hope that he’ll bridge the gaps and address the issues that most affect the average American. But whether he can bring the country together or further widen the divide remains to be seen.
