Republican Donald Trump is on track to make one of the most remarkable comebacks in U.S. political history, with a projected return to the White House for a second term. If he wins, Trump would achieve several unprecedented milestones, cementing his place in American history.
A Second Term: A Rare Feat in U.S. PoliticsTrump’s potential victory in the 2024 election would make him only the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms. The only other president to accomplish this was Grover Cleveland, who served as the 22nd president from 1885 to 1889, and then again as the 24th president from 1893 to 1897. Trump’s first term ran from 2016 to 2020, but he lost his bid for re-election in 2020 to current President Joe Biden.
Should Trump reclaim the presidency in 2024, it would mark an extraordinary political comeback, considering the turbulence and controversies that have surrounded his time in office and beyond. His ability to sweep crucial swing states has sparked significant attention and debate, highlighting his continued appeal within the Republican base.
Historic Age Milestone
At 78 years old, Trump would become the oldest person in U.S. history to be elected president. Currently, the oldest sitting president is Joe Biden, who will turn 82 in November 2024. Trump’s potential re-election would make him the oldest person to begin a first term in office, surpassing Biden’s current record.
Trump and the Popular Vote: Breaking a 20-Year Streak
In addition to the remarkable personal milestones, Trump is also projected to become the first Republican candidate to win the popular vote in two decades. According to projections by The New York Times, Trump’s broad appeal and ability to galvanize voters could result in a popular vote win, a feat that has eluded Republicans since George W. Bush in 2004.
A Twice-Impeached President
Trump’s return to the White House would make him the first U.S. president in history to face impeachment proceedings twice. His first impeachment, in December 2019, came after allegations that he sought to pressure Ukraine into launching an investigation into his political rival Joe Biden during the 2020 campaign. This led to charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Although Trump was acquitted on all charges by the Senate, the impeachment marked a significant moment in his presidency.
Trump faced a second impeachment in January 2021, just days before leaving office, following the January 6 Capitol riots. He was accused of inciting an insurrection after a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the certification of Biden’s electoral victory. Trump was again acquitted in the Senate, but the impeachment further added to his divisive legacy.
Legal Troubles: First Convicted Felon to Hold Office?
One of the most contentious aspects of Trump’s potential return to the White House is his legal troubles. Earlier this year, Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts related to his alleged role in falsifying business records connected to hush-money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
If Trump does win the presidency, he would become the first sitting president to hold office while facing criminal charges. His ongoing legal challenges, which include other investigations into his business practices and involvement in the 2020 election aftermath, have been a major focus of the public and media, though his legal team maintains that he is being unfairly targeted.
Trump’s trial on these charges is scheduled to begin on November 26, 2024, raising the possibility of a sitting president facing a criminal trial during their time in office, a first in U.S. history.
The 2024 Election and Its Impact
The 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be one of the most contentious and historically significant elections in modern U.S. history. Trump’s remarkable ability to remain a dominant figure in the Republican Party, despite facing numerous legal battles and his controversial first term, is a testament to his political resilience. His bid for re-election will not only be a battle for the presidency but also a momentous chapter in the story of American democracy, with implications that could shape the future of the nation for years to come.
As the race intensifies, all eyes will be on Trump’s legal battles and his ability to continue appealing to a broad swath of American voters. His potential victory would not just mark a personal triumph but could also fundamentally alter the political landscape in the United States.
