Donald Trump has once again defied the odds, becoming the 47th president of the United States in a dramatic political comeback. CNN projections confirm his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, marking a return to the Oval Office after a four-year hiatus following his defeat by Joe Biden in 2020.
Trump previously served as the 45th president, holding office from 2017 to 2021. Despite losing his re-election bid, his influence on American politics remained undeniable, setting the stage for this unprecedented second act in his political career.
From Business Tycoon to Political Maverick
Before entering politics, Donald Trump was a figure of global recognition, known for his business ventures, high-profile real estate developments, and as the star and producer of the hit reality TV show The Apprentice. His 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton, achieved without prior political experience, signaled a seismic shift in American politics, turning the businessman-turned-candidate into a symbol of change for millions.
Legal Challenges and Landmark Convictions
Trump’s 2024 campaign unfolded amid significant legal battles, including his distinction as the first former U.S. president ever convicted of a felony. Earlier this year, he faced 34 charges of falsifying business records tied to a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The payment, facilitated by Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, was allegedly intended to silence Daniels about an affair ahead of the 2016 election. Trump has consistently denied the affair and characterized the charges as politically motivated.
Ongoing Criminal Investigations
Trump is also at the center of two other major criminal cases.
In August 2023, an Atlanta-based grand jury indicted him and 18 co-defendants on charges related to their attempts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results. The indictment was part of a sweeping investigation into Trump’s efforts to challenge the outcome of the vote.
Earlier in the same month, a federal grand jury indicted Trump as part of special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and his broader attempts to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges, calling them politically motivated attempts to derail his campaign.
Surviving an Assassination Attempt
In a harrowing moment on the campaign trail, Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024. Secret Service agents swiftly intervened, neutralizing the attacker and ensuring the safety of the former president and the crowd. The incident underscored the volatile nature of his return to politics.
A Divisive but Unstoppable Force
Despite facing unprecedented legal and political challenges, Donald Trump has proven himself to be one of the most resilient figures in modern American history. His ability to rally a fiercely loyal base and navigate complex crises has once again secured his place at the helm of the nation.
As he prepares to assume office for a second time, Trump’s return signals a new chapter in American politics—one certain to generate as much debate, controversy, and attention as his first term. His journey from a real estate mogul to a twice-elected president is a testament to his ability to reshape the political landscape and defy conventional expectations.
Trump at age 4. He was born in 1946 to Fred and Mary Trump in New York City. His father was a real estate developer.
Trump, left, in a family photo. He was the second-youngest of five children.
In 1976, Donald Trump stood with Alfred Eisenpreis, New York’s economic development administrator, reviewing plans for a major renovation of the Commodore Hotel, which aimed to add 1,400 new rooms. After graduating from college in 1968, Trump began working with his father on real estate projects in Queens and Brooklyn before turning his attention to acquiring and developing prestigious properties in New York and Atlantic City. Among his most notable achievements are the iconic Trump Tower in Manhattan, Trump Plaza, and several casinos in Atlantic City.
Trump uses his personal helicopter to get around New York in 1987.
Trump dips his second wife, Marla Maples, after the couple married in a private ceremony in New York in December 1993. The couple divorced in 1999 and had one daughter together, Tiffany.
In July 2016, Donald Trump took the stage at the Republican National Convention to formally accept the party’s nomination for president. During his speech, he reflected on his achievements, stating, “I have had an incredible life in business.” He then shifted focus to his new purpose, declaring, “My sole and exclusive mission now is to work for our country — to work for you. It’s time to bring a victory to the American people.”
Elon Musk jumps on stage as he joins Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, In October 2024. Trump was returning to the same venue where he narrowly survived an assassination attempt.
In November 2024, Donald Trump stood on stage alongside his wife, Melania, and their son, Barron, at his election night watch party in West Palm Beach, Florida. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected as your 47th president—and your 45th president.”