Trump’s win was real but not a landslide. Here’s where it ranks
After securing a surprising victory in the 2024 election, Donald Trump can now boast of an impressive comeback. From being shunned as a pariah after attempting to overturn the previous election, he has now emerged as the president-elect once again. This win signals a significant rightward shift in the election results, providing Trump with a mandate to fulfill his promises of reshaping the US government.
If Republicans also gain control of the US House of Representatives, Trump will have the entire government at his disposal to push through his agenda. However, despite his triumph, Trump cannot claim a landslide victory, although he is likely to describe it as such. With over 74 million votes already secured, Trump is leading in the popular vote, but the final tally won’t be confirmed until December due to outstanding votes in key states.
While voter turnout may be lower compared to the previous election, it is still expected to surpass turnout rates in earlier years. Trump is projected to win 312 electoral votes, a solid victory but falls short of the landslide victories seen in past elections. For instance, Barack Obama’s 2008 win with 365 electoral votes remains unmatched.
Looking back at historical elections, presidents like Richard Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson achieved over 60% of the popular vote for their reelection campaigns, a feat that seems improbable in today’s political climate. Trump’s win marks the third consecutive election where voters have ousted the incumbent party, a rare occurrence in modern times.
As Trump gears up to lead the country once again, he will face the challenge of maintaining voter support in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. History shows that past presidents have struggled to retain control of the House after their first two years in office. Trump’s ability to navigate these challenges will determine his legacy in the years to come.
