Why did many Americans choose to vote for Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election?

The United States has elected Donald Trump as its 47th president. Only two presidents in US history have won a second non-consecutive term after losing; the first was Grover Cleveland in 1892.

This is a resounding win, sweeping two or three percentage points across all of the heavily analyzed "swing" states. Though they weren't significant, these state victories were sufficient in the crucial areas.

The results of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election also surprised many, as former President Donald Trump made a successful return to the White House. For those observing American politics, understanding why many Americans chose to vote for Trump is essential to grasping the current political climate.

Let’s explore several key reasons that analysts and voters have pointed to as influencing the outcome.

1. Economic Policies and “America First” Agenda

Although there will be a lot of post-election analysis in the days and weeks ahead, I think Trump's victory was mostly due to dissatisfaction with the Biden administration. As vice president, Kamala Harris was unable to distance herself from it, and many Americans believe that the last four years have not been good for them.

It is undeniable that Harris outperformed President Joe Biden in this race. However, many Americans believe that the economy is in terrible shape and that they are experiencing the largest price shocks since the 1970s. Every time they go grocery shopping or fill up the car with gas, they encounter this, and they let it out on Harris. Most Americans believe their situation has gotten worse over the past four years, according to polls. Only a few believe that the economy of the nation is headed in the right direction.

People therefore looked to Trump when they were seeking change that they felt would make their lives better. Despite the terrible last year of COVID, people remembered the first Trump presidency as having a healthier economy. However, they do not seem to hold that against him, they believe that they were in a better position back then than they are now, which was a very strong argument for Vice President Kamala to make.

Moreover, "America First" agenda aims to prioritize U.S. interests, which brings benefits, however, there might be some challenges to U.S.-ally relations.

Benefits to the U.S.:

1. Economic Growth: The agenda focused on reducing trade imbalances, securing better deals, and revitalizing American manufacturing, especially through tariffs on imports (e.g., China). This was designed to protect American jobs and industries, a core aspect of Trump’s appeal to working-class voters.
2. National Security: Trump sought to strengthen the U.S. military and reduce foreign commitments, asserting that allies should contribute more to defense spending, particularly within NATO. This pushed countries like Germany and the U.K. to increase defense budgets to meet NATO targets.

Benefits to Allies:

1. Fairer Burden-Sharing: Allies like NATO members were encouraged to spend more on defense, which helped alleviate the financial burden on the U.S. and made alliances more equitable in terms of contributions (e.g., NATO countries' commitment to reach 2% GDP defense spending). This was seen as beneficial for those who were already contributing but needed an additional push to meet targets.
2. Revised Trade Deals: In the case of the USMCA (replacing NAFTA), allies like Canada and Mexico gained access to a renegotiated agreement that Trump presented as a win for American workers, but also offered benefits in terms of trade security for these partners.

Challenges to Allies: However, the "America First" approach often strained relations with traditional allies. Trump’s withdrawal from multilateral agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran Nuclear Deal, along with his transactional approach to diplomacy, created a sense of unpredictability. These moves were seen by some allies as undermining long-standing partnerships and the global rules-based order.

In sum, Trump's agenda sought to reshape relationships with allies by promoting fairer contributions to global security and revised trade agreements, while also pushing for greater U.S. economic interests. However, it might create tensions over issues of global cooperation and multilateralism.

2. Perceived Strength in Immigration and Border Security

Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, including his border wall promise, resonates strongly with voters who prioritize strict border control. This message appeals to those who believe illegal immigration threatens American jobs, security, and public resources. In states with high immigrant populations, this focus often shapes voting decisions, particularly among voters concerned about crime and economic impacts of undocumented immigration.

Donald Trump's appeal to rural and working-class voters has been a cornerstone of his political strategy. His focus on revitalizing industries such as manufacturing and mining, particularly through promises to bring jobs back to America, resonates strongly with voters in these communities, who have felt left behind by globalization and economic shifts. Trump’s rhetoric often emphasizes how trade deals like NAFTA and foreign competition have harmed American workers, especially in sectors like coal and steel production, which have historically been vital to many rural economies.

His stance has contributed to a sense of loyalty among voters who believe he understands their struggles. Trump's promise to bring back jobs in these industries, often paired with support for lower taxes and deregulation, taps into the economic distress experienced by many working-class Americans. This messaging is especially appealing in regions that have seen the decline of traditional blue-collar jobs, as it provides hope for economic revitalization.

In addition to economic concerns, Trump's strong stance on immigration and trade also finds support in rural America, where concerns about job competition from immigrants and offshoring remain significant. His focus on securing borders and curbing immigration resonates with voters who fear that foreign workers undercut wages for American labor.

This focus on the needs of rural and working-class Americans has allowed Trump to build strong loyalty among these groups, helping him secure key states in the Midwest and Rust Belt that were once reliable Democratic strongholds.

3. Religious and Social Conservative Values

Donald Trump's alignment with conservative religious and social values has been a key component of his appeal to evangelical and religious voters, especially in his 2024 campaign. His positions on issues like abortion, religious freedom, and traditional family values have solidified his base among conservative Christians.

Trump has consistently supported anti-abortion policies, a stance that resonates strongly with evangelical voters who prioritize the sanctity of life. During his presidency, he appointed three conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, which played a pivotal role in overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022. This judicial move was hailed by many in the religious right, as it aligned with their long-standing goals of curbing abortion rights.

Religious freedom is another cornerstone of Trump's appeal to conservative Christians. His administration took steps to protect religious groups from what they saw as overreach from the government, such as ensuring exemptions for religious organizations from certain healthcare mandates. Additionally, his vocal support for Christian values and his alignment with religious leaders have kept him in favor of influential figures like Paula White, Jerry Falwell Jr., and Ralph.

These efforts have been central to his strategy, particularly in swing states with significant Christian populations.

Trump's judicial appointments continue to bolster his support, as many religious conservatives view the courts as crucial in shaping the future of religious liberty and social issues. With the appointment of conservative judges at various levels of the judiciary, Trump has cemented his legacy among those who view judicial activism as a threat to traditional values.

In summary, Trump's strong support for conservative social values, especially in areas like abortion, religious freedom, and the family, combined with his judicial appointments, has created a robust connection with Christian voters. His 2024 campaign leverages this base, aiming to rally them against what he portrays as growing secularism and threats to religious freedoms under Democratic leadership.

4. Perception of “Law and Order” Strength

Donald Trump's messaging on "law and order," particularly in response to protests, crime, and civil unrest, has played a significant role in shaping voter preferences, especially in suburban and urban areas. His emphasis on restoring law and order resonates with voters who are concerned about public safety, particularly in the wake of civil unrest such as the 2020 protests following George Floyd's death and other violent incidents. Trump's rhetoric often highlights the need for a tough stance against crime, illegal immigration, and what he perceives as disruptions to social stability, which has garnered support from those who feel that public order has been undermined by protests and rising crime rates in certain areas.

In suburban areas, many voters particularly those who lean Republican have embraced Trump's "law and order" message, especially in regions affected by crime or protests. For example, in places like Kenosha, Wisconsin, where protests over police violence occurred in 2020, voters who supported Trump in 2020 are likely to do so again in 2024, driven by concerns about crime, civil unrest, and immigration. These voters appreciate Trump's firm stance on cracking down on what they view as lawlessness and disorder, believing his policies will bring stability and safety to their communities.

However, the messaging's impact in urban areas is more mixed. While some voters, particularly those from communities that have been historically marginalized, view Trump’s stance as exacerbating systemic issues in policing and criminal justice, others in these areas, often motivated by fears of rising crime, see his policies as a necessary step toward restoring public order.

On the other hand, Trump's rhetoric around policing and civil unrest has drawn criticism from groups advocating for reform, who argue that his policies risk over-policing and reinforcing discriminatory practices.

Overall, Trump’s law-and-order messaging is influential in shaping suburban voter preferences, with many prioritizing public safety and economic concerns as their top issues. In urban areas, while the message resonates with those who fear crime, it also faces pushback from those advocating for police reform and racial justice.

5. Nationalism and Patriotism

Donald Trump's political rhetoric, particularly his emphasis on nationalism, sovereignty, and military strength, plays a key role in his appeal to voters who prioritize national identity and traditional American values. Trump's "America First" approach resonates with individuals who view the preservation of American sovereignty and pride as paramount. His appeals to nationalism often focus on securing U.S. borders, limiting immigration, and prioritizing domestic industries over foreign competition, with his policies aimed at reducing reliance on global alliances and strengthening the nation's self-sufficiency.

This sense of national pride is also linked to his focus on military power. Trump's rhetoric frequently highlights the importance of a strong military as a cornerstone of U.S. dominance and national security, resonating deeply with veterans and those who value defense. For instance, surveys show that Trump enjoys strong support from military veterans, with 61% of veteran voters backing him in the 2024 election.

His strong stance on military readiness and his commitment to military veterans have earned him favorable views from this demographic, further boosting his popularity among groups that prioritize patriotism and military strength.

Moreover, Trump's nationalist messaging appeals to conservative voters who feel that American identity and values are under threat from external influences and internal societal changes. His opposition to policies that promote multiculturalism and his preference for traditional values contribute to his popularity within these groups.

The way Trump blends nationalism with patriotism, especially in defending American interests and values, helps galvanize a loyal base that sees him as a defender of their vision for America’s future.

6. Media and “Fake News” Narrative

Donald Trump's rhetoric surrounding "fake news" has had a significant impact on his supporters' perceptions of the mainstream media, often reinforcing the narrative that media coverage is biased against him. This distrust is especially potent among his base, where accusations of bias from outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and others align with a broader skepticism toward traditional news sources. Trump's frequent labeling of unfavorable media reports as "fake news" fosters an environment where his followers are more inclined to view negative stories about him with suspicion and dismiss them as partisan attacks.

This perception of media bias contributes to a larger shift in how people consume news, particularly among conservative voters. Many now turn to alternative outlets or social media platforms, where content that aligns with their pre-existing views is more readily available. As a result, Trump's base often believes that the media, especially legacy outlets, misrepresents or distorts his actions and policies.

In the context of elections, this dynamic becomes even more pronounced. Studies show that voters tend to gravitate toward news that confirms their political biases, especially during election cycles. This tendency makes them more susceptible to misinformation, as they are less likely to critically evaluate sources that align with their worldview.

Moreover, the media's perceived failure to objectively cover Trump, including controversies like the Hunter Biden laptop story and misreporting on his statements, deepens this mistrust. Some experts argue that this erosion of trust in traditional media will continue to influence political loyalties, as voters increasingly view these outlets as part of a partisan system rather than impartial sources of information.

7. Appeal of a “Strong Leader” Persona

Donald Trump's leadership style and persona as a "strong leader" resonate deeply with voters who value decisiveness, confidence, and a break from traditional or passive leadership models. His assertive, no-nonsense approach to politics stands in stark contrast to the more diplomatic or conciliatory styles of many of his predecessors. This perception of strength is particularly attractive to those who feel that the U.S. needs a leader willing to take bold, sometimes controversial, actions without the usual political hesitation or compromise.

Research indicates that Trump's supporters often view him as someone who speaks directly and takes action, framing him as a leader who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. This is evident in his appeal to military veterans, who consistently express high levels of support for him, often associating his leadership with strength and stability. A Pew Research Center survey found that 61% of veterans supported Trump in 2024, reflecting his strong standing among this group, which values decisive, robust leadership.

Moreover, Trump’s persona as a strong figure aligns with his strategy of framing himself as an outsider who will confront what he terms as the inefficiency and weakness of "establishment" politics. His populist rhetoric, coupled with his confrontational style, appeals to voters who are disillusioned with what they perceive as a passive or ineffective political system.

This sense of strength and decisiveness is key to his ongoing appeal and plays a central role in his ability to rally a dedicated base.

Thus, Trump’s leadership resonates with voters looking for clarity and forcefulness in leadership, especially those who see these qualities as essential for addressing the challenges facing the country today.

To sum up, in the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, many Americans vote for Donald Trump due to a combination of policies and personal attributes that resonate deeply with key voter groups. His economic policies, particularly the “America First” agenda, focus on tax cuts, deregulation, and promoting American jobs, which appeals to working-class voters and those in manufacturing-heavy regions. His immigration and border security stance, which includes a strong commitment to building a wall and limiting illegal immigration, resonates with those concerned about national security and cultural preservation. Trump’s alignment with religious and social conservative values, such as his opposition to abortion and his advocacy for religious freedom, strengthens his support among Christians and social conservatives.

Additionally, his messaging on law and order during periods of unrest, coupled with his tough-on-crime rhetoric, appeals to voters prioritizing public safety. Trump's emphasis on nationalism and patriotism, along with his focus on American sovereignty and military strength, further energizes voters who feel strongly about national pride and traditional American values. His ongoing criticism of the media, often labeling coverage as “fake news,” resonates with his base, which perceives mainstream outlets as biased. Finally, Trump’s strong leader persona, characterized by his decisiveness and assertiveness, appeals to voters who see him as a contrast to what they perceive as passive or ineffective leadership from other politicians. These factors, collectively, explain why many Americans continue to support him in 2024, particularly among conservative, working-class, and rural voters.

What Do You Think?

Why do you think Trump resonated with so many voters in 2024? Feel free to share your perspective in the comments below!

References

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