Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Former President Donald Trump has been elected to a second term in the White House, four years after losing his bid for a consecutive term. The election, held on November 5, concluded a campaign marked by significant events, including two assassination attempts against Trump and the withdrawal of his initial Democratic opponent, President Joe Biden, in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump addressed his supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, stating, "I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president and your 45th president," adding that this period will be "the golden age of America."

Trump's victory makes him only the second U.S. president to serve nonconsecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland. He secured key battleground states such as Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to reach the necessary 270 electoral votes.

Ohio Senator JD Vance was Trump's running mate and described Trump's reelection as "the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America." Trump acknowledged taking criticism for selecting Vance but affirmed his confidence in Vance's capabilities.

Robert Schmuhl from the University of Notre Dame commented on Trump's appeal to working-class voters and how it is reshaping the Republican Party. He noted that nearly three-quarters of Americans expressed dissatisfaction with the country's direction according to exit polls.

The Republicans are projected to gain control of the U.S. Senate following victories by candidates like Bernie Moreno in Ohio and Jim Justice in West Virginia. Senator John Thune expressed optimism about working with Trump to address national issues under Republican leadership.

The status of control over the U.S. House of Representatives remains uncertain as early results continue to come in. The balance of power within Congress will significantly impact Trump's ability to implement his agenda.