Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign#Announcement and Convention

Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign is his fourth, following a brief one in 2000 for the Reform Party's nomination, and two as the Republican Party's candidate, in 2016 and, subsequently, 2020.{{Cite news |last=Helmore |first=Edward |date=February 5, 2017 |title=How Trump's political playbook evolved since he first ran for president in 2000 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/05/donald-trump-reform-party-2000-president |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411112502/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/05/donald-trump-reform-party-2000-president |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |last=Waterhouse |first=Benjamin C. |title=Donald Trump: Campaigns and Elections |url=https://millercenter.org/president/trump/campaigns-and-elections |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411113610/https://millercenter.org/president/trump/campaigns-and-elections |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Miller Center of Public Affairs}}

As president, Trump lost the 2020 presidential election to Democratic nominee Joe Biden.{{harvnb|Moniz|Swann|2025|p=1}} He and his allies in seven key states denied the results. They allegedly went on to devise a plot to create and submit fraudulent certificates of ascertainment falsely asserting that Trump had won the electoral college vote in those states.{{cite news |last1=Cohen |first1=Zachary |last2=Cohen |first2=Marshall |date=January 12, 2022 |title=Trump allies' fake Electoral College certificates offer fresh insights about plot to overturn Biden's victory |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/12/politics/trump-overturn-2020-election-fake-electoral-college/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113003417/https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/12/politics/trump-overturn-2020-election-fake-electoral-college/index.html |archive-date=January 13, 2022 |access-date=July 24, 2022 |work=CNN}} In the event that the plot failed to "work out," Trump would plan another presidential run in 2024.{{Cite news |last1=Jackson |first1=David |last2=Fritze |first2=John |date=November 7, 2020 |title=What's Trump's next act after his loss? Would he run in 2024? Some advisers see it as a possibility |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/07/trump-run-2024-what-his-next-steps-after-loss-biden/6189382002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126191240/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/07/trump-run-2024-what-his-next-steps-after-loss-biden/6189382002/ |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |work=USA Today}}{{Cite news |author1=Bowden, John |author2=Woodward, Alex |author3=Baio, Ariana |date=November 5, 2020 |title=Can Trump run again in 2024? |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election/trump-run-2024-election-biden-b1613385.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214041257/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election/trump-run-2024-election-biden-b1613385.html |archive-date=December 14, 2020 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |work=The Independent}}{{Cite news |last=Isenstadt |first=Alex |date=November 16, 2020 |title=4 more years: Trump freezes 2024 presidential field |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/16/trump-2024-presidential-field-436864 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117010204/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/16/trump-2024-presidential-field-436864 |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=Politico}} On January 6, 2021, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol to prevent the true election results from being certified.{{harvnb|Pion-Berlin et al.|2022|pp=790–792}} The former President was thereafter impeached for incitement of insurrection, but was acquitted.{{cite news |last1=Naylor |first1=Brian |date=February 9, 2021 |title=Article of Impeachment Cites Trump's 'Incitement' of Capitol Insurrection |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/trump-impeachment-effort-live-updates/2021/01/11/955631105/impeachment-resolution-cites-trumps-incitement-of-capitol-insurrection |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111193300/https://www.npr.org/sections/trump-impeachment-effort-live-updates/2021/01/11/955631105/impeachment-resolution-cites-trumps-incitement-of-capitol-insurrection |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=November 30, 2022 |work=NPR}}

The Biden administration succeeding Trump's oversaw the end of the COVID-19 pandemic,{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2023 |title=End of the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Declaration |url=https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/end-of-phe.html#:~:text=The%20federal%20COVID%2D19%20PHE,share%20certain%20data%20will%20change. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407182758/https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/end-of-phe.html#:~:text=The%20federal%20COVID%2D19%20PHE,share%20certain%20data%20will%20change. |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention}} a spike in inflation lasting from 2021 to 2023, a surge in crossings at the border with Mexico, and the outbreak of two major wars in Ukraine and in Gaza.{{Cite news |last=Zurcher |first=Anthony |date=January 13, 2025 |title=How Biden tarnished his own legacy |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7vd5n3el6no |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409151123/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7vd5n3el6no |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last=Townley |first=Dafydd |date=January 13, 2025 |title=Joe Biden's legacy: four successes and four failures |url=https://theconversation.com/joe-bidens-legacy-four-successes-and-four-failures-246454 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307180953/https://theconversation.com/joe-bidens-legacy-four-successes-and-four-failures-246454 |archive-date=March 7, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The Conversation}} While the President began his term with an approval rating well above 50%, this would not last long. By September 2021, this had dropped to just 43%, according to Gallup, following the "chaotic"{{Cite news |last=Pengelly |first=Martin |date=February 16, 2024 |title=Biden 'privately defiant' over chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, book says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/16/biden-afghanistan-withdrawal-book |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122055323/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/16/biden-afghanistan-withdrawal-book |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and a gradual rise in inflation from 1.7% in February to 5.4%.{{Cite web |title=Current US Inflation Rates: 2000-2025 |url=https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410081320/https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/ |archive-date=April 10, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |website=US Inflation Calculator|date=July 23, 2008 }} His popularity never recovered. By June 2022, inflation had risen to 9.1%, a 40-year high.{{Cite news |last1=Bayly |first1=Lucy |last2=Wallace |first2=Alicia |date=July 13, 2022 |title=US inflation hit 40-year high in June, driven by record gas prices |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/13/economy/cpi-inflation-june/index.html#:~:text=Inflation%20surged%20to%20a%20new,the%20Bureau%20of%20Labor%20Statistics. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401231223/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/13/economy/cpi-inflation-june/index.html#:~:text=Inflation%20surged%20to%20a%20new,the%20Bureau%20of%20Labor%20Statistics. |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=CNN}} Besides a worsening economy, Biden oversaw a worsening in the crisis at the Southern border, with 11.3 million undocumented immigrants entering the U.S. during his term.{{Cite web |last1=Chishti |first1=Muzaffar |last2=Bush-Joseph |first2=Kathleen |last3=Putzel-Kavanaugh |first3=Colleen |last4=Greene |first4=Madeleine |date=December 10, 2024 |title=Biden's Mixed Immigration Legacy: Border Challenges Overshadowed Modernization Advances |url=https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/biden-immigration-legacy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404160146/https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/biden-immigration-legacy |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=Migration Information Source}} Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Biden unwaveringly aided Ukraine. He sent the nation a total of $182 billion in emergency funding.{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2025 |title=How much money has the US given Ukraine since Russia's invasion? |url=https://usafacts.org/articles/how-much-money-has-the-us-given-ukraine-since-russias-invasion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407073550/https://usafacts.org/articles/how-much-money-has-the-us-given-ukraine-since-russias-invasion/ |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=USAFacts}} When the Gaza war broke out in November 2023, the President strongly supported Israel.{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=October 10, 2023 |title=In Unforgiving Terms, Biden Condemns 'Evil' and 'Abhorrent' Attack on Israel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/us/politics/biden-israel-hamas.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012001950/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/us/politics/biden-israel-hamas.html |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |newspaper=The New York Times}} These three issues: global uncertainty, inflation, and the migrant crisis, would be the focal points of the future Trump campaign.{{Cite news |last=Goldmacher |first=Shane |date=December 5, 2024 |title=How Trump Targeted Undecided Voters Without Breaking the Bank |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/05/us/politics/trump-streaming-ads-strategy.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424125812/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/05/us/politics/trump-streaming-ads-strategy.html |archive-date=April 24, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}

By July 2022, amid the public hearings of the House Select Committee on the January{{nbsp}}6 Attack, Trump was reportedly considering making an early announcement of his 2024 candidacy.{{Cite news |last1=Bender |first1=Michael C. |last2=Epstein |first2=Reid J. |last3=Haberman |first3=Maggie |date=July 1, 2022 |title=Trump Eyes Early 2024 Announcement as Jan. 6 Scrutiny Intensifies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/01/us/politics/trump-republicans-campaign-2024.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703000859/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/01/us/politics/trump-republicans-campaign-2024.html |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=The New York Times |via=}}{{cite news |last1=Orr |first1=Gabby |last2=Holmes |first2=Kristen |last3=Zanona |first3=Melanie |date=July 2, 2022 |title=Trump weighs early 2024 launch as January 6 committee looms over his future |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/02/politics/trump-campaign-2024-republican/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702165846/https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/02/politics/trump-campaign-2024-republican/index.html |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2022 |work=CNN}} A contemporary Intelligencer interview with Trump affirmed that he had already made up his mind.{{Cite news |last1=Nuzzi |first1=Olivia |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Donald Trump on 2024: 'I've Already Made That Decision' |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/donald-trump-2024-decision.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721042249/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/donald-trump-2024-decision.html |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |access-date=July 16, 2022 |work=New York Intelligencer}} Following the August 2022 FBI search of Mar-a-Lago, many of his allies urged that he initiate his campaign even sooner, perhaps prior to that year's midterm elections.{{Cite news |last1=Orr |first1=Gabby |last2=Zanona |first2=Melanie |last3=Holmes |first3=Kristen |last4=Warren |first4=Michael |date=August 9, 2022 |title=Trump fields calls from Republican allies to speed up 2024 bid after FBI raid |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/09/politics/trump-2024-bid/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811071430/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/09/politics/trump-2024-bid/index.html |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |work=CNN}}

Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president on November{{nbsp}}15, 2022, in an hour-long address from Mar-a-Lago. It came one week after the midterm elections.{{cite news|last1=Chen |first1=Shawna |date=November 16, 2022 |title=Trump announces 2024 presidential campaign |url=https://www.axios.com/2022/11/16/donald-trump-2024-president-run |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116015632/https://www.axios.com/2022/11/16/donald-trump-2024-president-run |archive-date=November 16, 2022 |access-date=November 16, 2022 |work=Axios}}{{cite news |last1=Wilkie |first1=Christina |date=November 15, 2022 |title=Donald Trump announces his 2024 presidential campaign in a bid to seize early momentum |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/15/trump-news-trump-launches-2024-presidential-campaign-in-a-bid-to-seize-early-momentum.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116015955/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/15/trump-news-trump-launches-2024-presidential-campaign-in-a-bid-to-seize-early-momentum.html |archive-date=November 16, 2022 |access-date=November 16, 2022 |work=CNBC}} The campaign would be based in Mar-a-Lago, in West Palm Beach, Florida.{{Cite news |last=Sczesny |first=Matt |date=November 17, 2022 |title=Mar-a-Lago will be base of operations for former President Trump's 2024 campaign |url=https://www.wptv.com/news/political/mar-a-lago-to-be-base-of-operations-for-former-president-trumps-2024-campaign |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114181645/https://www.wptv.com/news/political/mar-a-lago-to-be-base-of-operations-for-former-president-trumps-2024-campaign |archive-date=November 14, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=WPTV}}{{Cite news |last=Watson |first=Kathryn |date=November 6, 2024 |title=Trump addresses supporters before clinching victory |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-election-night-watch-live-2024-11-06/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226003207/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-election-night-watch-live-2024-11-06/ |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=CBS News}} Reporting for Axios, Zachary Basu noted that at the time of the announcement, Trump was the "underdog" and "at the weakest moment of his political career".{{Cite news |last=Basu |first=Zachary |date=November 15, 2022 |title=Trump, the underdog |url=https://www.axios.com/2022/11/16/trump-2024-republican-underdog |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427073933/https://www.axios.com/2022/11/16/trump-2024-republican-underdog |archive-date=April 27, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Axios}} His candidacy was met with a mixed response from both Democrats and Republicans. He was perceived by many as a weak, beatable candidate, owing to his loss in 2020 and the failure of an expected Republican "red wave" in the 2022 midterms to materialize.{{Efn|In fact, the Republican candidates Trump endorsed for the 2022 midterms generally underperformed those that he did not.{{cite news|first=Schlesinger|last=Robert|date=November 16, 2022|title=Apparently the Trump show must go on|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/donald-trump-2024-presidential-bid-built-on-alternative-facts-rcna57354|work=NBC News|access-date=April 11, 2025|archive-date=November 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129075126/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/donald-trump-2024-presidential-bid-built-on-alternative-facts-rcna57354|url-status=live}}|name=Roe v. Wade}} This led several Republican officials to oppose his campaign,{{cite news |last=McGreal |first=Chris |date=November 15, 2022 |title=Trump v DeSantis: Republicans split over 2024 run and predict 'blood on the floor' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/15/trump-v-desantis-republicans-divided-2024-presidential-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201220624/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/15/trump-v-desantis-republicans-divided-2024-presidential-election |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |last=Siders |first=David |date=November 27, 2022 |title=Republicans shrug off Trump '24 bid: 'The excitement's just not there' |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/27/republicans-against-trump-2024-00070632 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003015722/https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/27/republicans-against-trump-2024-00070632 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Politico}}{{Cite news |last1=Manu |first1=Raju |last2=Zanona |first2=Melanie |last3=Barrett |first3=Ted |date=November 15, 2022 |title=Trump's 2024 bid gets harsh reaction among Hill Republicans |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/14/politics/trump-2024-harsh-reaction-capitol-hill-republicans/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116231734/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/14/politics/trump-2024-harsh-reaction-capitol-hill-republicans/index.html |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=CNN}} and several Democrats to welcome it.{{Cite news |last1=Hunnicutt |first1=Trevor |last2=Renshaw |first2=Jarrett |date=November 17, 2022 |title=Biden's team warily welcomes Trump's 2024 presidential run |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/bidens-team-warily-welcomes-trumps-2024-presidential-run-2022-11-16/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202063820/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/bidens-team-warily-welcomes-trumps-2024-presidential-run-2022-11-16/ |archive-date=December 2, 2022 |access-date=December 2, 2022 |work=Reuters |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Cillizza |first=Chris |date=November 15, 2022 |title=Democrats are openly rooting for another Trump presidential bid |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/15/politics/democrats-trump-2024-presidential-bid/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110045911/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/15/politics/democrats-trump-2024-presidential-bid/index.html |archive-date=November 10, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=CNN}} The conservative New York Post mocked Trump's announcement by relegating it to page 26 and noting it on the cover with a banner reading "Florida Man Makes Announcement".{{Cite news |last=Stableford |first=Dylan |date=November 16, 2022 |title=New York Post buries Trump 2024 launch: 'Florida Man Makes Announcement' |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/new-york-post-trump-florida-man-makes-announcement-162902923.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250413223139/https://www.yahoo.com/news/new-york-post-trump-florida-man-makes-announcement-162902923.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABasao_v5hejavCm6qAF-k6UrruWgJI_wtVgs39APlV7eh7VFR6h2TiCh048GbLeEJTT9tJYEA97tYMSwc7qcPx5oEHwgzanvFbU7xY8_K4QRqPDsUlf9E9w1il0hqXKM1KcMcH8v1-PDkSFQn8hAaixp_edhyZL9p5pgMW3dLvG |archive-date=April 13, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Yahoo! News}} On the other hand, Trump-aligned Republicans embraced the campaign,{{Cite news |last=Coppins |first=McKay |date=2023-01-30 |title=Republicans' 2024 Magical Thinking |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/01/2024-republican-primary-donald-trump-deus-ex-machina/672888/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130195122/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/01/2024-republican-primary-donald-trump-deus-ex-machina/672888/ |archive-date=January 30, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The Atlantic}} and many Democrats deemed it a threat to American democracy.{{Cite news |author=The New York Times Editorial Board |date=November 16, 2022 |title=America Deserves Better Than Donald Trump |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/15/opinion/trump-2024-announcement.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201235333/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/15/opinion/trump-2024-announcement.html |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite news |last=Tamkin |first=Emily |date=November 16, 2022 |title=What will Donald Trump's 2024 presidential bid mean for American democracy? |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/world/americas/north-america/us/2022/11/donald-trump-announcement-2024-presidential-campaign |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202212032/https://www.newstatesman.com/world/americas/north-america/us/2022/11/donald-trump-announcement-2024-presidential-campaign |archive-date=December 2, 2022 |access-date=December 2, 2022 |website=New Statesman}}

Trump was the first one-term president to campaign for a second non-consecutive term since Herbert Hoover (1929–1933), who, after losing in 1932, made unsuccessful runs in 1936 and 1940.{{cite news|last1=Baker|first1=Peter|title=Trump Hints at Another Act in Four Years, Just Like Grover Cleveland|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/us/politics/trump-2024.html|access-date=April 12, 2025|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 2, 2020|archive-date=February 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209183734/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/us/politics/trump-2024.html|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}

At its inception, Trump's campaign had over $100 million in funding.{{cite news |last=Schouten |first=Fredreka |date=November 16, 2022 |title=Questions about Donald Trump's campaign money, answered |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/16/politics/donald-trump-war-chest-presidential-campaign/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205102952/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/16/politics/donald-trump-war-chest-presidential-campaign/index.html |archive-date=December 5, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=CNN}} Its numerous vehicle for fundraising was Save America, a leadership political action committee (PAC), joined by the MAGA PAC and Super PAC.{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=Zachary B. |date=June 5, 2024 |title=How are Trump's legal bills and the 2024 campaigns being funded? There's a lot we don't know |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/05/politics/donald-trump-legal-bills-what-matters/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902183053/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/05/politics/donald-trump-legal-bills-what-matters/index.html |archive-date=September 2, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=CNN}}{{cite news |last1=Escobar |first1=Molly Cook |last2=Sun |first2=Albert |last3=Goldmacher |first3=Shane |date=March 27, 2024 |title=How Trump Moved Money to Pay $100 Million in Legal Bills |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/03/27/us/politics/trump-cases-legal-fund.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404150558/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/03/27/us/politics/trump-cases-legal-fund.html |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} However, his legal expenses from his court cases would absorb much of that funding. In fact, from January 2021 to March 2024, he spent more than $100 million in legal fees from campaign accounts. In 2023, the year of Trump's four criminal indictments, over half of his financial donations were allocated to paying off legal bills.

While running against Joe Biden, Trump overwhelmingly lagged behind his opponent in fundraising. His legal expenses combined with Biden's plentiful financial hauls laid at the heart of this problem.{{cite news |last=Weissert |first=Will |date=January 15, 2024 |title=Biden and the Democrats raise $97 million to close out 2023 after a December fundraising blitz |url=https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-biden-democrats-fundraising-5923a86caf124b9c789276fe3349d42f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330190451/https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-biden-democrats-fundraising-5923a86caf124b9c789276fe3349d42f |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} At the start of March 2024, Trump's campaign and Trump-aligned Super PACs had half as much cash on hand as Biden's campaign and Biden-aligned Super PACs.{{cite news |last=Levitz |first=Eric |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Why Biden's fundraising dominance could save his campaign |url=https://www.vox.com/2024-elections/24115423/biden-fundraiser-trump-clinton-obama-2024-polls |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921164306/https://www.vox.com/2024-elections/24115423/biden-fundraiser-trump-clinton-obama-2024-polls |archive-date=September 21, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Vox}} However, Trump's fundraising eventually took a turn for the better, with the former President raising more money than his opponent in April, and beating Biden's total fundraising for the first time.{{Cite news |last1=Davis O'Brien |first1=Rebecca |last2=Goldmacher |first2=Shane |date=May 21, 2024 |title=Trump's Reported Fund-Raising Tops Biden's for First Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/21/us/politics/trump-biden-fundraising.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523192826/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/21/us/politics/trump-biden-fundraising.html |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |newspaper=The New York Times}} Things again turned sour for Trump's campaign after Biden withdrew from the race. The new Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, brought in $200 million during the first week of her presidential campaign.{{Cite news |last=Bressner |first=Noah |date=July 29, 2024 |title=Trump's falling legal fees free up campaign cash |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/trump-falling-legal-costs-fundraising |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921213857/https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/trump-falling-legal-costs-fundraising |archive-date=September 21, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Axios}} In July, Trump's campaign and assorted committees reporting taking in $138.7 million compared to Harris and Democratic committees' $310 million.{{Cite news |last=Weissert |first=Will |date=August 2, 2024 |title=Harris raised a massive $310 million in July, as she looks to reset November's race against Trump |url=https://apnews.com/article/harris-fundraising-democrats-trump-fbc14aa926444b4f961f579c63811766 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806041835/https://apnews.com/article/harris-fundraising-democrats-trump-fbc14aa926444b4f961f579c63811766 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} All in all, throughout their campaigns (specifically, since January 2023), the Trump committee raised $388 billion, while that Biden–Harris raised nearly $1 billion.{{Cite news |last=Durkee |first=Alison |date=November 4, 2024 |title=Trump Vs. Harris Fundraising: Harris Outraises Trump By Nearly 5-to-1 Among Last Minute Big Donors |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/11/04/trump-vs-harris-fundraising-race-harris-outraised-trump-3-to-1-with-last-pre-election-report/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404235918/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/11/04/trump-vs-harris-fundraising-race-harris-outraised-trump-3-to-1-with-last-pre-election-report/ |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Forbes}}

According to OpenSecrets, Trump's greatest donors were hedge fund manager Ken Griffin (who donated $100 million), pro-Israel activist Miriam Adelson ($132 million), railroad magnate Timothy Mellon ($197 million), and, most notably, businessman Elon Musk ($277 million{{Efn|While estimates of Musk's campaign donations widely vary, all major sources put them above $250 million.{{cite news|last1=Schouten|first1=Fredreka|last2=Wright|first2=David|last3=Matthews|first3=Alex Leeds|date=December 6, 2024|title=Musk spent more than a quarter-billion dollars to elect Trump, including funding a mysterious super PAC, new filings show

|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/05/politics/elon-musk-trump-campaign-finance-filings/index.html|work=CNN|url-status=live|access-date=April 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302173714/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/05/politics/elon-musk-trump-campaign-finance-filings/index.html|archive-date=March 2, 2025}}{{cite news|last=Hawkinson|first=Katie|date=February 2, 2025|title=Elon Musk dropped nearly $300M supporting Donald Trump in 2024

|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/elon-musk-donald-trump-2024-election-b2690735.html|work=The Independent|url-status=live|access-date=April 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330010700/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/elon-musk-donald-trump-2024-election-b2690735.html|archive-date=March 30, 2025}}{{cite news|last=Lim|first=Clarissa-Jan|date=December 6, 2024|title=Here's how much money Elon Musk spent to help Trump win the election

|url=https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/elon-musk-trump-donations-2024-election-rcna183231|work=MSNBC|url-status=live|access-date=April 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406141704/https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/elon-musk-trump-donations-2024-election-rcna183231|archive-date=April 6, 2025}}}}).{{Cite news |last=Klaidman |first=Daniel |date=November 14, 2024 |title=The megadonors who fueled Trump and the Republican Party and what they may want in the next 4 years |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-megadonors-2024-election/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405010415/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-megadonors-2024-election/ |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=CBS News}} Musk was not only the largest individual political donor of the 2024 election, but also the largest individual political donor since at least 2010, excluding candidates funding their own campaigns. He also launched a $1 million a day giveaway for swing state voters.{{Cite news |last1=Thadani |first1=Trisha |last2=Morse |first2=Clara Ence |date=December 6, 2024 |title=Elon Musk is now America's largest political donor |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/12/06/elon-musk-trump-campaign-spending-fec/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414073209/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/12/06/elon-musk-trump-campaign-spending-fec/ |archive-date=April 14, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} OpenSecrets additionally found that the top seven donors of the 2024 campaign were "solidly Republican/Conservative".{{Cite web |last=Meyers |first=David |date=March 26, 2025 |title=Elon Musk tops list of 2024 political donors, but five others gave more than $100 million |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2025/03/elon-musk-tops-list-of-2024-political-donors-but-six-others-gave-more-than-100-million |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404173903/https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2025/03/elon-musk-tops-list-of-2024-political-donors-but-six-others-gave-more-than-100-million/ |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |website=OpenSecrets}}

Trump notably mixed his personal business with political fundraising.{{cite news |last1=Breuninger |first1=Kevin |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Trump's deals to sell Bibles, sneakers and perfume are unprecedented for a presidential candidate, experts say |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/29/trump-sellig-bibles-sneakers-perfume-on-campaign-trail-unprecedented-experts-say.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320105246/https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/29/trump-sellig-bibles-sneakers-perfume-on-campaign-trail-unprecedented-experts-say.html |archive-date=March 20, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=CNBC}} He promoted $59.99 "God Bless the U.S.A." Bibles, $399 sneakers, $99 "Victory47" cologne, and $99 Trump-branded NFT digital trading cards for his personal, non-campaign accounts.{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Soo Rin |last2=Ibssa |first2=Lalee |date=March 28, 2024 |title=Trump endorses line of Bibles -- after selling shoes, NFTs and more |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-endorses-line-bibles-after-selling-shoes-nfts/story?id=108543985 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329174452/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-endorses-line-bibles-after-selling-shoes-nfts/story?id=108543985 |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=ABC News}} Many campaign funds were also funneled into Trump-owned businesses, in particular his Mar-a-Lago resort and the Trump National Doral Miami.{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Zac |last2=Mansfield |first2=Erin |date=April 18, 2024 |title=Trump is funneling campaign money into cash-strapped businesses. Experts say it looks bad. |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/04/18/trump-campaign-funnels-money-to-his-businesses/73344744007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420053434/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/04/18/trump-campaign-funnels-money-to-his-businesses/73344744007/ |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=USA Today}}

{{main|Presidential eligibility of Donald Trump|Trump v. Anderson}}

File:Trump 2024 state ballot eligibility map.svg, the U.S. Supreme Court that established Trump's eligibility

{{legend|#00bb00|Case dismissed by state supreme court}}

{{legend|#90EE90|Case dismissed by lower court}}

{{legend|#cc9933|Decision ruled that Trump is ineligible; stayed, pending appeal}}

{{legend|#666666|Lawsuit filed}}]]Trump's eligibility to run for president was challenged. The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, Section 3, prohibits current and former federal, state and military officials who have "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" from holding office again, which was pertinent in Trump's case considering his role in inciting the January 6 attack on the Capitol.{{Cite news |last1=Cabral |first1=Sam |last2=Epstein |first2=Kayla |date=February 8, 2024 |title=The 14th Amendment plan to disqualify Trump, explained |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66690276 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403124948/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66690276 |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=BBC News}}{{Cite web |last=Bomboy |first=Scott |date=February 5, 2024 |title=Explaining Donald Trump's 14th Amendment case at the Supreme Court |url=https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/explaining-donald-trumps-14th-amendment-case-at-the-supreme-court |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315040521/https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/explaining-donald-trumps-14th-amendment-case-at-the-supreme-court |archive-date=March 15, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=National Constitution Center}} By 2023, the non-profit group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and other advocacy groups and individuals were planning state-by-state efforts to keep Trump off state ballots.{{cite news |last1=Demissie |first1=Hannah |last2=Gersony |first2=Laura |date=August 26, 2023 |title=14th Amendment, Section 3: A new legal battle against Trump takes shape |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/14th-amendment-section-3-new-legal-battle-trump/story?id=102547316 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319002336/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/14th-amendment-section-3-new-legal-battle-trump/story?id=102547316 |archive-date=March 19, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=ABC News}} Court cases sprung up in multiple states.{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Corey |date=November 17, 2023 |title=Group asks Michigan Supreme Court to hear an appeal of a ruling in Trump ballot case |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-ballot-michigan-43f3b5bc379a2a1de66d21101252e40f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113010748/https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-ballot-michigan-43f3b5bc379a2a1de66d21101252e40f |archive-date=November 13, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}

In December 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that, under the Fourteenth Amendment, Trump was ineligible from holding office and that his name must be removed from the Colorado Republican primary ballot.{{Cite news |last1=Halpert |first1=Madeline |last2=Drenon |first2=Brandon |date=December 20, 2023 |title=Colorado Supreme Court kicks Trump off ballot, citing 'insurrection' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67768873 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250329210145/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67768873 |archive-date=March 29, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=BBC News}} This decision was the first of its kind in American history.{{Cite news |last=Quinn |first=Melissa |date=December 21, 2023 |title=Colorado Supreme Court rules Trump is disqualified from presidency for Jan. 6 riot |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-colorado-supreme-court/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307193643/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-colorado-supreme-court/ |archive-date=March 7, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=CBS News |language=en-US}} Later that month, Maine's Secretary of State followed suit and banned Trump from Maine's Republican primary ballot. In March 2024, following an appeal from Trump's campaign,{{Cite news |last=Astor |first=Maggie |date=March 4, 2024 |title=Trump Is Disqualified From 2024 Ballot, Colorado Court Says in Explosive Ruling |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/19/us/politics/trump-colorado-ballot-14th-amendment.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402092714/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/19/us/politics/trump-colorado-ballot-14th-amendment.html |archive-date=April 2, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously overturned Colorado's Supreme Court ruling, saying that states do not have the authority to disqualify Trump or other candidates from federal elections under the Fourteenth Amendment's insurrection clause.{{cite news |last=Riccardi |first=Nicholas |date=March 4, 2024 |title=Takeaways from Trump's Supreme Court win: He stays on ballot, but his legal peril is just starting |url=https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-colorado-ballot-2390f3204e3ecaad3c617f9db0ff9d2e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116210044/https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-colorado-ballot-2390f3204e3ecaad3c617f9db0ff9d2e |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}

{{see also|Agenda 47|Project 2025}}

Donald Trump's formal campaign manifesto was Agenda 47. It took the form of a series of videos on his official website outlining his proposals one by one.{{Cite news |last=Allen |first=Mike |date=2024-03-06 |title=Scoop: Biden campaign's plan of attack |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/03/06/biden-trump-project-2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421061054/https://www.axios.com/2024/03/06/biden-trump-project-2025 |archive-date=April 21, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Axios}} Seeing that the series was cut short in December 2023, Agenda 47 was primarily targeted to Republican voters during the 2024 primary season.{{Cite news |last=Durkee |first=Alison |date=January 17, 2025 |title=What Is Agenda47? What To Know About Trump's Policy Agenda Before His Inauguration |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2025/01/17/what-is-agenda47-what-to-know-about-trumps-policy-agenda-before-his-inauguration/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411161756/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2025/01/17/what-is-agenda47-what-to-know-about-trumps-policy-agenda-before-his-inauguration/ |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |newspaper=Forbes}}{{Cite news |last=Bump |first=Philip |date=June 18, 2024 |title=Trump has unveiled an agenda of his own. He just doesn't mention it much |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/06/18/trump-has-unveiled-an-agenda-his-own-he-just-doesnt-mention-it-much/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628085237/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/06/18/trump-has-unveiled-an-agenda-his-own-he-just-doesnt-mention-it-much/ |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} His website's homepage contained a list of 20 campaign proposals.

{{Collapsible list

| title = President Trump’s 20 CORE PROMISES

TO MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!{{cite web|date=November 4, 2024|title=Agenda 47|url=https://www.donaldjtrump.com/platform/|website=Donald J. Trump|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241104084915/https://www.donaldjtrump.com/platform/ |access-date=April 11, 2025|archive-date=November 4, 2024 |url-status=dead}}

| bullets = true|Seal the border and stop the migrant invasion|Carry out the largest deportation operation in American history|End inflation, and make America affordable again|Make America the dominant energy producer in the world, by far|Stop outsourcing, and turn the United States into a manufacturing superpower|Large tax cuts for workers, and no tax on tips|Defend our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and our fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms|Prevent World War Three, restore peace in Europe and in the Middle East, and build a great iron dome missile defense shield over our entire country—all made in America|End the weaponization of government against the American people|Stop the migrant crime epidemic, demolish the foreign drug cartels, crush gang violence, and lock up violent offenders|Rebuild our cities, including Washington, D.C., making them safe, clean, and beautiful again|Strengthen and modernize our military, making it, without question, the strongest and most powerful in the world|Keep the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency|Fight for and protect Social Security and Medicare with no cuts, including no changes to the retirement age|Cancel the electric vehicle mandate and cut costly and burdensome regulations|Cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on our children|Keep men out of women's sports|Deport pro-Hamas radicals and make our college campuses safe and patriotic again|Secure our elections, including same day voting, voter identification, paper ballots, and proof of citizenship|Unite our country by bringing it to new and record levels of success

}}

According to Philip Bump of The Washington Post, Agenda 47 was rarely discussed by Trump as well as the media. He, and others, noted that it was overshadowed by another presidential transition plan closely tied to—in fact, designed for—the Trump campaign, The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025.{{cite news |last1=Arnsdorf |first1=Isaac |last2=Dawsey |first2=Josh |last3=Barrett |first3=Devlin |date=November 6, 2023 |title=Trump and allies plot revenge, Justice Department control in a second term |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/11/05/trump-revenge-second-term/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105234529/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/11/05/trump-revenge-second-term/ |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Peter |date=November 22, 2023 |title='Openly authoritarian campaign': Trump's threats of revenge fuel alarm |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/22/trump-revenge-game-plan-alarm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127003512/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/22/trump-revenge-game-plan-alarm |archive-date=November 27, 2023 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} It planned for massive overhauls to American government, steering it in an uncompromisingly conservative path and relegating much authority to the executive branch. As such, Project 2025 was condemned for unconstitutionally encouraging authoritarianism and moving to turn Trump into a dictator.{{cite news |last=Moynihan |first=Donald |date=November 27, 2023 |title=Trump Has a Master Plan for Destroying the 'Deep State' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/27/opinion/trump-deep-state-schedule-f.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127152541/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/27/opinion/trump-deep-state-schedule-f.html |archive-date=November 27, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{cite news |last1=O'Neill |first1=Joseph |date=March 21, 2023 |title=One Man's Foray Into the Heartland of the Far Right |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/21/books/review/the-undertow-jeff-sharlet.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326084955/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/21/books/review/the-undertow-jeff-sharlet.html |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{cite news |last=Ackerman |first=Spencer |date=August 3, 2023 |title=This Is How Trump Becomes a Dictator |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/trump-presidential-power-security-state/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907062254/https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/trump-presidential-power-security-state/ |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The Nation}}{{Cite news |last1=Swan |first1=Jonathan |last2=Savage |first2=Charlie |last3=Haberman |first3=Maggie |date=July 17, 2023 |title=Trump and Allies Forge Plans to Increase Presidential Power in 2025 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/17/us/politics/trump-plans-2025.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409160327/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/17/us/politics/trump-plans-2025.html |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} Trump's campaign officials repeatedly distanced themselves from the plan, stressing that all outside efforts influencing a future presidential transition were "unofficial". Trump himself denied knowing of Project 2025. He went as far as to call some of its proposals "absolutely ridiculous" and "seriously extreme".{{Cite news |last=Gleeson |first=Cailey |title=Trump Disavows Project 2025: Calls Some Of Conservative Group's Ideas 'Absolutely Ridiculous And Abysmal' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/caileygleeson/2024/07/05/trump-disavows-project-2025-calls-some-of-conservative-groups-ideas-absolutely-ridiculous-and-abysmal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709020506/https://www.forbes.com/sites/caileygleeson/2024/07/05/trump-disavows-project-2025-calls-some-of-conservative-groups-ideas-absolutely-ridiculous-and-abysmal/ |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=2024-07-22 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Cappelletti |first1=Joey |last2=Colvin |first2=Jill |date=July 21, 2024 |title=Trump holds first rally after assassination attempt with his new running mate, Vance, by his side |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-michigan-grand-rapids-vance-dcc7969cd53e281e32beb72a2c6e0fe8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723000442/https://apnews.com/article/trump-michigan-grand-rapids-vance-dcc7969cd53e281e32beb72a2c6e0fe8 |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Associated Press |language=en}}

Besides The Heritage Foundation, other think-tanks and policy groups aligned with Trump included the Center for Renewing America, the America First Policy Institute, and America First Legal. Trump's preeminent public policy advisers were Steve Bannon, David Bernhardt, Kellyanne Conway, Richard Grenell, Tom Homan, Sean Hannity, Kevin Hassett, Brandon Judd, Kieth Kellog, Larry Kudlow, Robert Lighthizer, Stephen Miller, Stephen Moore, John Ratcliffe, Russel Vought, and Matt Whitaker, though none of them were formally part of the campaign itself.{{cite magazine |last=Cortellessa |first=Eric |date=April 30, 2024 |title=How Far Trump Would Go |url=https://time.com/6972021/donald-trump-2024-election-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511000706/https://time.com/6972021/donald-trump-2024-election-interview/ |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |magazine=Time}}{{Cite news|last1=Salama |first1=Vivian |last2=Dapena |first2=Kara |date=2024-07-16 |title=Who Trump's Closest Advisers Are and Who Is On the Periphery |url=https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/trump-advisors-inner-circle-presidential-campaign-0e056dee |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828103939/https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/trump-advisors-inner-circle-presidential-campaign-0e056dee |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |website=The Wall Street Journal |language=}}{{Cite news |last1=Politi |first1=James |last2=Vargas |first2=Carolina |date=2024-03-26 |title=The Trump machine: the inner circle preparing for a second term |url=https://www.ft.com/content/8aa2d8c1-cc3a-46fe-9145-53d05b19a50d |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217135002/https://www.ft.com/content/8aa2d8c1-cc3a-46fe-9145-53d05b19a50d |archive-date=December 17, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Financial Times}}{{Cite news|last=Leary |first=Alex |date=2023-12-15 |title=The Conservative Coterie Behind Trump's Second-Term Agenda |url=https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/the-conservative-coterie-behind-trumps-second-term-agenda-3c13b533?st=tvbvh9rnkubw10j&reflink=article_copyURL_share |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219051536/https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/the-conservative-coterie-behind-trumps-second-term-agenda-3c13b533?st=tvbvh9rnkubw10j&reflink=article_copyURL_share |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |website=The Wall Street Journal |language=}} Vince Haley was officially responsible for overseeing the team developing the campaign’s policy proposals.

File:The main officials of Donald Trump's 2024 campaign staff.jpg, Susie Wiles, Steven Cheung, Boris Epshteyn, and Karoline Leavitt (left to right, top row first)]]

{{Collapsible list

| title = Key officials in Trump's campaign team

Multiple sources:

• {{cite news |last1=Ulmer |first1=Alexandra |last2=Layne |first2=Nathan |last3=Holland |first3=Steve |date=February 1, 2024 |title=Who are Trump's top presidential campaign aides? |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/who-are-trumps-top-presidential-campaign-aides-2024-02-01/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219142708/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/who-are-trumps-top-presidential-campaign-aides-2024-02-01/ |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Reuters}}
• {{cite news |last1=Salama |first1=Vivian |last2=Dapena |first2=Kara |date=July 16, 2024 |title=Who Is in Donald Trump's Inner Circle? These Are His Closest Advisers |url=https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/trump-advisors-inner-circle-presidential-campaign-0e056dee |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116172445/https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/trump-advisors-inner-circle-presidential-campaign-0e056dee |archive-date=November 16, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}
• {{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/12/trump-2024-campaign-south-carolina-00077612|title=Trump prepares to open next phase of 2024 campaign in South Carolina|work=Politico|date=January 12, 2023|access-date=January 17, 2023|author=Alex Isenstadt|archive-date=January 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116230252/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/12/trump-2024-campaign-south-carolina-00077612|url-status=live |url-access=registration}}
• {{cite news|last1=Nuzzi |first1=Olivia |title=Donald Trump 2024: His Final Presidential Campaign |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/donald-trump-running-for-president-2024.html|work=New York |date=December 23, 2022|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225002226/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/donald-trump-running-for-president-2024.html|url-status=live}}
• {{cite news |last=Isenstadt |first=Alex |date=August 15, 2024 |title=Trump campaign brings Corey Lewandowski back on board |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/15/trump-campaign-brings-corey-lewandowski-back-on-board-00174155 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404224816/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/15/trump-campaign-brings-corey-lewandowski-back-on-board-00174155 |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Politico}}
• {{Cite news |last=Cai |first=Sophia |date=May 20, 2023 |title=Inside Trump's campaign makeover for 2024 |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/03/20/trump-campaign-makeover-2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121151830/https://www.axios.com/2023/03/20/trump-campaign-makeover-2024 |archive-date=January 21, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=Axios}}
• {{Cite news |last=Singman |first=Brooke |date=April 3, 2023 |title=Karoline Leavitt to join Trump super PAC as spokeswoman |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/karoline-leavitt-join-trump-super-pac-spokeswoman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250309105043/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/karoline-leavitt-join-trump-super-pac-spokeswoman |archive-date=March 9, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=Fox News}}
• {{Cite news |last=Watts |first=Marina |date=June 24, 2024 |title=CNN Anchor Takes Trump Spokeswoman Off Air for Attacking Network's Debate Moderators: 'Ma'am, We're Going to Stop' |url=https://people.com/kasie-hunt-ends-cnn-interview-trump-spokesperson-karoline-leavitt-8668073 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401053154/https://people.com/kasie-hunt-ends-cnn-interview-trump-spokesperson-karoline-leavitt-8668073 |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=People}}

| bullets = true|Chris LaCivita, co-campaign manager|Susie Wiles, co-campaign manager|Steven Cheung, communications director|Boris Epshteyn, in-house counsel|Karoline Leavitt, national press secretary|Eric Branstad, senior adviser|Alex Bruesewitz, senior adviser|Taylor Budowich, senior adviser|Alex Latcham, senior adviser|Corey Lewandowski, senior adviser|Jason Miller, senior adviser, focusing on communications strategy|Tim Murtaugh, senior adviser|Alex Pfeiffer, senior adviser|Brian Jack, senior aide, focusing on amassing endorsements from lawmakers|Dan Scavino, senior aide

}}

Trump attempted to build a broad demographic coalition consisting of Latinos, Arab Americans, Black men, and young men—all groups that traditionally leaned Democratic. He spoke sharply against the economy under Biden's presidency, which resonated with all groups, and stoked culture war issues, appealing to Black and Latino men, who tend toward social conservatism.{{Cite web |last=Chatburn |first=Ross |date=November 20, 2024 |title=The Trump coalition that won him back the White House |url=https://collegegreengroup.com/blogs/us-politics/the-trump-coalition-that-won-him-back-the-white-house/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430161334/https://collegegreengroup.com/blogs/us-politics/the-trump-coalition-that-won-him-back-the-white-house/ |archive-date=April 30, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |website=College Green Group}}{{Cite news |last=Karma |first=Rogé |date=November 8, 2024 |title=The Strategist Who Predicted Trump's Multiracial Coalition |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/11/trump-black-latino-voters-interview/680588/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250415153249/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/11/trump-black-latino-voters-interview/680588/ |archive-date=April 15, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=The Atlantic}} According to Patrick Ruffini, the former President stood to capitalize off of a gradual political phenomenon: that "the ties that once bound low-income and nonwhite voters to the Democratic Party … were breaking". Trump also visited cities with concentrated Arab American populations. His efforts were bolstered by the Biden administration's pro-Israel stance on the Gaza war, and Kamala Harris' neglect of these cities throughout the campaign.{{Cite news |last=Abdelrahman |first=Abdelhalim |date=November 13, 2024 |title=Why Michigan's Arab Americans Voted for Trump |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/11/13/michigan-dearborn-trump-harris-arab-gaza-israel-vote/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401013422/https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/11/13/michigan-dearborn-trump-harris-arab-gaza-israel-vote/ |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=Foreign Policy}} To drive up turnout, Trump's campaign ran an unconventional ground game. He targeted irregular voters through community building, rather than traditional methods: door knocks, big party machinery, and paid media.{{Cite news |last1=Contorno |first1=Steve |last2=Schouten |first2=Fredreka |date=October 4, 2024 |title=Trump's ground game relies on untraditional strategies to draw out battleground voters |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/04/politics/trump-campaign-ground-game/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250501000551/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/04/politics/trump-campaign-ground-game/index.html |archive-date=May 1, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=CNN}}{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Astra |date=November 25, 2024 |title=Democrats should stop mocking Trump's ground game and start learning from it |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/nov/25/democrats-organizing-get-out-the-vote |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401012512/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/nov/25/democrats-organizing-get-out-the-vote |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} Organizations such as Libre and Turning Point USA, besides driving forward an ideological agenda, assembled low propensity voters who felt alienated by the government and cultivated in them a sense of belonging to Trump's cause. As activist Tony Gavito explained, "Mobilizing people to turn out and cast a ballot is not nearly as powerful as organizing people to adopt an identity, commit to a cause, and join a collective effort to push for change".

Regarding rhetoric, Trump deployed fiery, partisan language that, according to commentators, alienated the general public. He rejected the traditional pivot to the center and relied on negative messaging. Even in the campaign's final weeks, he continued homing in on his base and steadfast conservatives, while his opponent, Harris, tried appealing to moderates. This was done to "maximize turnout" from Trump's base.{{Cite news |last1=Colvin |first1=Jill |last2=Barrow |first2=Bill |date=March 4, 2024 |title=Trump keeps making incendiary statements. His campaign says that won't change |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-republicans-pivot-e1d9ff3444ce5c7cc942250cff057be5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406071021/https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-republicans-pivot-e1d9ff3444ce5c7cc942250cff057be5 |archive-date=April 6, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last1=Peoples |first1=Steve |last2=Colvin |first2=Jill |last3=Miller |first3=Zeke |date=October 23, 2024 |title=Trump targets hardcore partisans, Harris goes after moderates: Inside the campaign's final sprint |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-campaign-strategy-final-days-623cf25b673d7e875e69a904b93e8958 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411191950/https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-campaign-strategy-final-days-623cf25b673d7e875e69a904b93e8958 |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last=Smolar |first=Piotr |date=September 15, 2024 |title=2024 US election: Donald Trump's strange strategy of ignoring moderates |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/opinion/article/2024/09/15/2024-us-election-donald-trump-s-strange-strategy-of-ignoring-moderates_6726128_23.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414012536/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/opinion/article/2024/09/15/2024-us-election-donald-trump-s-strange-strategy-of-ignoring-moderates_6726128_23.html |archive-date=April 14, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=Le Monde}} Beyond his base, it served to persuade remaining undecided voters; with extreme rhetoric, they would have a "compelling reason to vote".{{Cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Jonah |date=October 1, 2024 |title=Column: The political strategy behind Donald Trump's increasingly dark and disturbing rhetoric |url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-10-01/donald-trump-kamala-harris-immigration-mentally-disabled-election-2024-jonah-goldberg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225003429/https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-10-01/donald-trump-kamala-harris-immigration-mentally-disabled-election-2024-jonah-goldberg |archive-date=December 25, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=The Los Angeles Times}} Trump's extreme statements also played into his populist strategy of airing the public's grievances against the political status quo—that he was saying what no other politician dared to say.{{Cite news |last1=Goldmacher |first1=Shane |last2=Haberman |first2=Maggie |last3=Swan |first3=Jonathan |date=November 16, 2024 |title=How Trump Won, and How Harris Lost |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/07/us/politics/trump-win-election-harris.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409104254/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/07/us/politics/trump-win-election-harris.html |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |last1=Chouliaraki |first1=Lilie |last2=Higgins |first2=Kathryn Claire |date=January 22, 2025 |title=Trump rode pain and victimhood to power, but grievance may not be an effective basis for governing |url=https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/2025/01/22/trump-rode-pain-and-victimhood-to-power-but-grievance-may-not-be-a-effective-basis-for-governing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430220602/https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/2025/01/22/trump-rode-pain-and-victimhood-to-power-but-grievance-may-not-be-a-effective-basis-for-governing/ |archive-date=April 30, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |website=London School of Economics and Political Science}}

Writing for Tilted Chair, Kara Villarreal asserts that "Trump didn’t just run a political campaign; he launched a full-scale marketing movement".{{Cite web |last=Villarreal |first=Kara |date=November 12, 2024 |title=Trump's Masterclass in Marketing: How Trump Leveraged Proven Marketing Principles to Win the 2024 Election |url=https://tiltedchair.co/trumps-masterclass-in-marketing-how-trump-leveraged-proven-marketing-principles-to-win-the-2024-election/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427202004/https://tiltedchair.co/trumps-masterclass-in-marketing-how-trump-leveraged-proven-marketing-principles-to-win-the-2024-election/ |archive-date=April 27, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |website=Tilted Chair}} The former President's messaging was simple, straightforward, and emotional, which analysts found engaged well with his "consumers"—voters. He appealed to their discontent over the economy, immigration, and national pride. One of the means he used to achieve this was mantras he would repeat during rallies, such as, "Are you better off now or four years ago?”, and, "I will fix it." Trump also relied on identity politics by creating an "us versus them" narrative. This, according to analysts, united his supporters and kept them motivated.{{Cite news |last=Dooley |first=Roger |date=November 6, 2024 |title=What CMOs And Marketers Can Learn From Trump's Successful Campaign |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/2024/11/06/what-cmos-and-marketers-can-learn-from-trumps-successful-campaign/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427202506/https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/2024/11/06/what-cmos-and-marketers-can-learn-from-trumps-successful-campaign/ |archive-date=April 27, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Forbes}}

On advertising, Trump's campaign faced a massive financial disadvantage.{{Cite magazine |last=Kelly |first=Makena |date=November 6, 2024 |title=Donald Trump's Win Cements a New Era for Campaigning Online |url=https://www.wired.com/story/donald-trump-online-campaign-era/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226183545/https://www.wired.com/story/donald-trump-online-campaign-era/ |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |magazine=Wired}}{{Cite web |last=Brousell |first=Heather |date=November 11, 2024 |title=Unpacking the Data Behind Trump and Harris' Presidential Election Ad Spending |url=https://www.ppchero.com/unpacking-the-data-behind-trump-and-harris-presidential-election-ad-spending/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209042840/http://www.ppchero.com/unpacking-the-data-behind-trump-and-harris-presidential-election-ad-spending/ |archive-date=December 9, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |website=PPC Hero}} He, like Harris, concentrated ad funding on the seven swing states. However, unlike his opponent, his funding was more localized, focusing more on individual voters than geographical groups. Trump's campaign spent more on YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, and streaming services, while Harris, on Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. According to analysts, these two tactics made Trump's advertising strategy more adapted to modern trends, efficient, and ultimately, effective. They also enabled him to overcome his funding limitations.{{Cite news |last=Manning |first=Jamie |date=January 2, 2025 |title=2024 Was the 'Device ID' Election |url=https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-device-id-election-2024-presidential-election-targeted-campaign-ads-7391758d |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207003419/https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-device-id-election-2024-presidential-election-targeted-campaign-ads-7391758d |archive-date=February 7, 2025 |access-date=April 28, 2025 |work=Wall Street Journal}} Trump targeted specific swing voters, or "streaming persuadables," while his opponent simply spent on the states at large. He do so by running highly customized ads exclusively in their households. As Trump Super PAC operative David Lee explained, "In the seven states, we were talking to 6.3 million people—they [Harris' campaign] were talking to 44.7 million"; thus, Harris was "wasting 85 percent of [her] money". In addition, the campaign's focus on streaming platforms over television networks catered to undecided voters, half of whom used only streaming and podcasts, not cable.

Trump's media strategy heavily relied on podcasts and online streaming. It largely, but not entirely, cast traditional forms aside, such as interviews on mainstream media outlets and even a 60 Minutes appearance. Rather, the former President would interact with podcasters and YouTube content creators: Theo Von, Patrick Bet-David, Logan Paul, et cetera,{{Cite news |last=Bade |first=Rachael |date=October 26, 2024 |title='All Trump, All the Time': Inside the Trump Campaign's Media Strategy |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/10/26/trump-podcast-campaign-2024-elections-00185619 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409163941/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/10/26/trump-podcast-campaign-2024-elections-00185619 |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 21, 2025 |work=Politico}}{{Cite news |last1=Grynbaum |first1=Michael M. |last2=Koblin |first2=John |date=November 7, 2024 |title=A Master of the Media Evolved Yet Again in 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/07/business/media/trump-media-strategy-podcasts.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403173033/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/07/business/media/trump-media-strategy-podcasts.html |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |access-date=April 21, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite news |last=Greenwood |first=Max |date=February 14, 2025 |title=How Trump Beat Out Harris Among News Influencers in 2024 |url=https://campaignsandelections.com/industry-news/influencers-favored-trump-in-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250217090053/https://campaignsandelections.com/industry-news/influencers-favored-trump-in-2024/ |archive-date=February 17, 2025 |access-date=April 21, 2025 |work=Campaigns & Elections}} many of whom belonged to the manosphere. He would focus on apolitical matters: sports, family, extraterrestrial life, more than politics. This strategy suited changing media trends, as more and more Americans were resorting to alternative sources for news over mainstream media, as well as being adapted to Trump's "circuitous and colloquial way of speaking". Young people—especially men—were particularly dependent on social media and podcasts for political coverage. On the other hand, Harris concentrated on traditional outlets. The former President garnered further media attention by visiting nonpolitical venues, such as football games and McDonald's.

By establishing a considerable presence on social media, Trump could home in on his tactic of dominating the news. His message was thus spread among more voters. According to Campaigns & Elections, right-wing influencers posted about 2.5 times as much as left-wing influencers throughout the election. Trump's media strategy also bolstered his image. By appearing on podcasts and YouTube videos, which are informal, homely, and unrestrained by design,{{Cite news |last=Modell |first=Maxwell |date=November 19, 2024 |title=US election shows how podcasts are shaping politics – and what the risks are |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126173112/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr4dnv91p7o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414232331/https://theconversation.com/us-election-shows-how-podcasts-are-shaping-politics-and-what-the-risks-are-243325 |archive-date=April 14, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The Conversation}} he came across as approachable. They "humanize[d]" him. Jason Miller, remarked that Trump's media strategy, above all else, relied on "unscripted moments," which earned him more coverage and familiarity. Another benefit of non-traditional media outlets was that Trump could avoid fact-checks. For instance, in his interview with Joe Rogan, he promoted falsehoods about the 2020 election being stolen and exaggerations of his poll numbers. Michael M. Grynbaum and John Koblin of The New York Times noted that the "influencers he met with rarely challenged [him], and often lavished him with praise". Many of the most popular podcasts, including those that Trump had appeared on, would increasingly post political content with conservative messages in the leadup to the election.{{Cite news |last1=Alba |first1=Davey |last2=Yin |first2=Leon |last3=Love |first3=Julia |last4=Carman |first4=Ashley |last5=Bengani |first5=Priyanjana |last6=Dottle |first6=Rachael |last7=Mejía |first7=Elena |date=January 22, 2025 |title=How Popular YouTubers Pushed Young Male Voters Toward Trump |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2025-youtube-podcast-men-for-trump/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321031544/https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2025-youtube-podcast-men-for-trump/ |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |access-date=April 21, 2025 |work=Bloomberg News}}

{{See also|Artificial intelligence and elections}}

File:Protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio!.jpg of the candidate embracing a cat and duck, adding credibility to his Springfield pet-eating hoax]]

Trump and his allies extensively used artificial intelligence.{{cite news |last1=Bond |first1=Shannon |date=August 30, 2024 |title=How AI-generated memes are changing the 2024 election |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/08/30/nx-s1-5087913/donald-trump-artificial-intelligence-memes-deepfakes-taylor-swift |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250412062735/https://www.npr.org/2024/08/30/nx-s1-5087913/donald-trump-artificial-intelligence-memes-deepfakes-taylor-swift |archive-date=April 12, 2025 |access-date=April 20, 2025 |work=NPR}}{{cite news |last1=Chatterjee |first1=Mohar |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Trump's crafty new use of AI |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/digital-future-daily/2024/08/22/trump-crafty-new-use-ai-00175822 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404180425/https://www.politico.com/newsletters/digital-future-daily/2024/08/22/trump-crafty-new-use-ai-00175822 |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 20, 2025 |work=Politico}}{{Cite news |last1=Seddiq |first1=Oma |last2=Cohen |first2=Zach C. |date=August 29, 2024 |title=AI Tools Speed Up Campaign Work, Yet Skepticism Slows Adoption |url=https://news.bgov.com/bloomberg-government-news/ai-tools-speed-up-campaign-work-yet-skepticism-slows-adoption |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118182826/https://news.bgov.com/bloomberg-government-news/ai-tools-speed-up-campaign-work-yet-skepticism-slows-adoption |archive-date=November 18, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Bloomberg Government}} In June 2024, Trump remarked that AI was "really powerful stuff," suggesting that he would deliver a speech written entirely by AI: "[My staffer] goes click click click, and like 15 seconds later he shows me my speech, written so beautifully, I said, ‘I’m gonna use this sucker'".{{cite news |author=Ray |first=Siladitya |date=June 14, 2024 |title=Trump Says He Had A Speech 'Rewritten By AI' And Decided 'I'm Going To Use This' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2024/06/14/trump-says-he-had-a-speech-rewritten-by-ai-and-decided-im-going-to-use-this |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318174802/https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2024/06/14/trump-says-he-had-a-speech-rewritten-by-ai-and-decided-im-going-to-use-this/ |archive-date=March 18, 2025 |access-date=April 20, 2025 |website=Forbes}} As with the Harris campaign, Trump's team shared many deepfakes on social media. These, for instance, presented him astride a lion, or otherwise depicted his opponents unfavorably, such as one of Harris addressing a Soviet-style rally. Such fake images became a vehicle of disinformation, although some commentators note that they were not intended to be believed. Writing for The Guardian, Sophia Smith Galer argues that his campaign deployed deepfakes as "algo-fodder" to sustain his narratives on social media.{{Cite news |last=Galer |first=Sophia Smith |date=August 22, 2024 |title=If you are outraged by Trump's use of AI and deepfakes, don't be – that's exactly what he wants |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/22/outraged-donald-trump-artificial-intelligence-deepfakes-taylor-swift |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313133727/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/22/outraged-donald-trump-artificial-intelligence-deepfakes-taylor-swift |archive-date=March 13, 2025 |access-date=April 20, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} Trump's campaign also used AI software to enhance efficiency. This included automating repetitive tasks and creating targeted advertisements. One such software, Campaign Nucleus, received more than $2.2 million in funding from his associates.{{Cite news |last1=Suderman |first1=Alan |last2=Burke |first2=Garance |date=May 5, 2024 |title=What to know about Trump strategist's embrace of AI to help conservatives |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/what-to-know-about-trump-strategists-embrace-of-ai-to-help-conservatives/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420205455/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/what-to-know-about-trump-strategists-embrace-of-ai-to-help-conservatives/ |archive-date=April 20, 2025 |access-date=April 20, 2025 |work=The Seattle Times}}

{{Main|Political positions of Donald Trump}}

Trump struck a middle ground and often vacillated on abortion. This was done in an attempt to put the issue to rest, having greatly cost Republicans in the 2022 midterms in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overruled that June.{{Cite news |last1=FitzGerald |first1=James |last2=Cabral |first2=Sam |date=April 9, 2024 |title=Let individual states decide abortion rights, Trump says |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68761083 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250325155002/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68761083 |archive-date=March 25, 2025 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=BBC News}}{{cite news |last1=Ollstein |first1=Alice Miranda |last2=Goldenberg |first2=Sally |date=September 21, 2023 |title=Trump steamrolls anti-abortion groups |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/21/trump-anti-abortion-groups-00117260 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305181331/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/21/trump-anti-abortion-groups-00117260 |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Politico}}{{harvnb|Hass et al.|2025|p=8}} He generally called for abortion's legal status to be left up to the individual states. Trump initially did not state whether or not he supported a national 15-week abortion ban,{{cite news |last1=Igielnik |first1=Ruth |date=November 20, 2023 |title=Why Trump Seems Less Vulnerable on Abortion Than Other Republicans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/14/upshot/trump-abortion-republicans-2024-election.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404132132/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/14/upshot/trump-abortion-republicans-2024-election.html |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} then leaned in favor of it,{{cite news |last1=Chiacu |first1=Doina |last2=Oliphant |first2=James |date=March 20, 2024 |title=Trump signals support for 15-week national abortion ban |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-leaning-toward-15-week-national-abortion-ban-2024-03-20/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231090957/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-leaning-toward-15-week-national-abortion-ban-2024-03-20/ |archive-date=December 31, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Reuters}} and then pledged to veto any federal abortion ban.{{Cite news |last1=Kashinsky |first1=Lisa |last2=Messerly |first2=Megan |date=January 10, 2024 |title=Trump vows to veto any federal abortion ban — after previously refusing to commit |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/01/trump-abortion-veto-national-ban-00182091 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409010823/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/01/trump-abortion-veto-national-ban-00182091 |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Politico}} When asked on how he would vote on Florida's abortion referendum, he equivocated.{{Cite magazine |last=Jones |first=Robert P. |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Trump's Christian Nationalist Vision for America |url=https://time.com/7019236/trumps-christian-nationalist-america-essay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430085309/https://time.com/7019236/trumps-christian-nationalist-america-essay/ |archive-date=April 30, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |magazine=Time}} Trump labelled Florida governor Ron DeSantis' six-week abortion ban as "terrible", and criticized Arizona's near total ban on abortion.{{cite news |last1=Barrow |first1=Bill |last2=Licon |first2=Adriana Gomez |date=April 10, 2024 |title=Trump says Arizona's abortion ban goes too far while defending the overturning of Roe v. Wade |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-abortion-arizona-law-florida-ban-7cdd6d2e3c320a89ec7a7c037824e7cd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410170618/https://apnews.com/article/trump-abortion-arizona-law-florida-ban-7cdd6d2e3c320a89ec7a7c037824e7cd |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=Associated Press}} On the other hand, he stated that he would allow Republican-controlled states to monitor women's pregnancies.{{Cite news |last=Bowden |first=John |date=August 1, 2024 |title=Project 2025's abortion surveillance idea comes back to bite Trump |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/project-2025-trump-abortion-vance-b2589752.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926134858/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/project-2025-trump-abortion-vance-b2589752.html |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |website=The Independent}} Contemporary commentators remarked that Trump's stance on abortion pleased neither progressives nor conservatives, although it was later regarded to have been effective in subduing the issue. In spite of his equivocation throughout the campaign, Trump had previously called himself "the most pro-life president ever",{{cite news |last1=Ollstein |first1=Alice Miranda |last2=Goldenberg |first2=Sally |date=September 21, 2023 |title=Trump steamrolls anti-abortion groups |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/21/trump-anti-abortion-groups-00117260 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305181331/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/21/trump-anti-abortion-groups-00117260 |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Politico}} and took credit for overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.{{cite magazine |last=Elliot |first=Philip |date=November 15, 2023 |title=Why Trump Will Keep Flip-Flopping on Abortion in 2024 |url=https://time.com/6335088/donald-trump-abortion-position-2024-election/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216041324/https://time.com/6335088/donald-trump-abortion-position-2024-election/ |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |magazine=Time}}{{Efn|In fact, all three Supreme Court justices Trump appointed: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, voted to reverse Roe v. Wade.{{cite news|last=Amatulli|first=Jenna|date=June 24, 2022|title=Who voted to overturn Roe v Wade and what is the political make up of the Supreme Court?|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/us/overturn-roe-v-wade-supreme-court-b2108912.html|work=The Independent|url-status=live|access-date=April 11, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411200028/https://www.independent.co.uk/us/overturn-roe-v-wade-supreme-court-b2108912.html |archive-date=April 11, 2025}}}} In April 2024, he reiterated that he was "proudly responsible" for reversing Roe v. Wade.{{cite news |last=Peoples |first=Steve |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Trump's abortion statement angers conservatives and gives the Biden campaign a new target |url=https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-republican-presidential-election-2024-585faf025a1416d13d2fbc23da8d8637 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410023034/https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-republican-presidential-election-2024-585faf025a1416d13d2fbc23da8d8637 |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}

{{see also|Economic policy of the first Donald Trump administration}}{{Quote box

| quote = With your support, we will cut your taxes, end inflation, slash your prices, raise your wages, and bring thousands of factories back to America and back to North Carolina. They're coming back. We will build American, we will buy American, and we will hire American again.

| source = — Donald Trump in an October 2024 rally at Greensboro, North Carolina{{cite web |title=Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Campaign Rally in Greensboro, North Carolina - October 22, 2024 |url=https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-greensboro-north-carolina-october-22-2024/ |website=Roll Call |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119175057/https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-greensboro-north-carolina-october-22-2024/ |archive-date=January 19, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025}}

| width = 25%

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Trump's economic agenda featured protective tariffs, lower taxation, and reduced regulations. He sought an economic nationalist system, with the income tax largely, if not completely, replaced by tariffs to defend local manufacturing.{{cite news |last1=Luhby |first1=Tami |last2=Sullivan |first2=Kate |date=October 27, 2024 |title=Trump floats ending the federal income tax. Here's what that would mean |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/26/politics/trump-income-taxes-tariffs/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406232403/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/26/politics/trump-income-taxes-tariffs/index.html |archive-date=April 6, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=CNN}}{{Cite news |last=Weisman |first=Jonathan |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Trump Praises Tariffs, and William McKinley, to Power Brokers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/05/us/politics/trump-tariffs-william-mckinley.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204173404/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/05/us/politics/trump-tariffs-william-mckinley.html |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{cite news |last=Leahey |first=Andrew |date=June 14, 2024 |title=Can Trump Eliminate The Income Tax? Maybe With An 85% Tariff |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewleahey/2024/06/14/can-trump-eliminate-the-income-tax/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620173852/https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewleahey/2024/06/14/can-trump-eliminate-the-income-tax/ |archive-date=June 20, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Forbes}} Protectionism had been a priority in his first presidency.{{Cite news |last1=Savage |first1=Charlie |last2=Swan |first2=Jonathan |last3=Haberman |first3=Maggie |date=December 26, 2023 |title=A New Tax on Imports and a Split From China: Trump's 2025 Trade Agenda |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/26/us/politics/trump-2025-trade-china.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425121331/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/26/us/politics/trump-2025-trade-china.html |archive-date=April 25, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} In 2024, he vowed to enact even higher tariffs, including a 10% to 20% universal baseline tariff, 60% on China, between 25% and 100% on Mexico, and 100% on all cars made outside the U.S.{{cite news |last1=Basu |first1=Zachary |date=May 8, 2024 |title=Trump's inflation bomb: How his second-term plans could make it worse |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/05/08/trump-biden-2024-economy-inflation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511021720/https://www.axios.com/2024/05/08/trump-biden-2024-economy-inflation |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Axios}}{{Cite news |last=DuBois |first=Megan |date=November 5, 2024 |title=Trump Promises New Tariffs on Mexico and China |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/11/05/trump-election-tariffs-china-mexico-trade-immigration-fentanyl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401041531/https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/11/05/trump-election-tariffs-china-mexico-trade-immigration-fentanyl/ |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Foreign Policy}} Analysts noted that the proposed tariffs were especially targeted against China, seeing that, among other things, he proposed a four-year plan to phase out Chinese imports of essential goods.{{cite news |last1=Colvin |first1=Jill |date=November 12, 2023 |title=Trump's plans if he returns to the White House include deportation raids, tariffs and mass firings |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-policies-agenda-election-2024-second-term-d656d8f08629a8da14a65c4075545e0f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424035032/https://apnews.com/article/trump-policies-agenda-election-2024-second-term-d656d8f08629a8da14a65c4075545e0f |archive-date=April 24, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} Overall, Trump's protectionist program intended to transform the U.S. into a self-sufficient economy. Nonetheless, many economists, including 23 Nobel Prize recipients, warned that it would "lead to higher prices, larger deficits, and greater inequality",{{Cite news |last=Mattingly |first=Phil |date=October 23, 2024 |title=23 Nobel Prize-winning economists call Harris' economic plan 'vastly superior' to Trump's |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/23/politics/nobel-prize-economists-harris-economic-plan/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420032118/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/23/politics/nobel-prize-economists-harris-economic-plan/index.html |archive-date=April 20, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=CNN}} as well as a trade war.{{cite news |last1=Stein |first1=Jeff |date=January 27, 2024 |title=Donald Trump is preparing for a massive new trade war with China |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/01/27/trump-china-trade-war/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127180735/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/01/27/trump-china-trade-war/ |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

One of Trump's key pledges was extending and expanding his 2017 tax cuts. These would further slash all individual and corporate tax rates, which he argued would stimulate America's energy industry and reduce inflation. Companies that made their products in the U.S. would see a reduced corporate rate from 21% to 15%. Furthermore, he intended to cut back on regulations he believed stifle job creation.{{cite news |last1=Boak |first1=Josh |last2=Colvin |first2=Jill |date=April 15, 2024 |title=Tax Day reveals a major split in how Joe Biden and Donald Trump would govern |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-income-taxes-irs-returns-filings-55d3031de64251169eb247f52430618d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427184733/https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-income-taxes-irs-returns-filings-55d3031de64251169eb247f52430618d |archive-date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}{{cite news |last1=Oliphant |first1=James |last2=Slattery |first2=Gram |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Trump's second-term agenda: deportations, trade wars, drug dealer death penalty |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/payback-time-trump-plans-mass-firings-deportations-second-term-2023-11-14/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321172332/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/payback-time-trump-plans-mass-firings-deportations-second-term-2023-11-14/ |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Reuters}} A 50% reduction in energy prices was also in order.{{Cite news |last=Rascoe |first=Ayesha |date=September 22, 2024 |title=Fact-checking former President Trump's promise to cut U.S. energy costs |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/09/22/nx-s1-5118358/fact-checking-former-president-trumps-promise-to-cut-u-s-energy-costs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421133539/https://www.npr.org/2024/09/22/nx-s1-5118358/fact-checking-former-president-trumps-promise-to-cut-u-s-energy-costs |archive-date=April 21, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=NPR |language=en}} By October 2024, Reuters reported that Trump was "rolling out a new tax-cut proposal about once a week in an unusual rush in the final stretch of the campaign to sway voters".{{Cite news |last1=Slattery |first1=Gram |last2=Oliphant |first2=James |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Trump's tax cut pledges are coming fast and furious in waning days of campaign |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-tax-cut-pledges-are-coming-fast-furious-waning-days-campaign-2024-10-11/?ref=biztoc.com |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427142141/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-tax-cut-pledges-are-coming-fast-furious-waning-days-campaign-2024-10-11/?ref=biztoc.com |archive-date=April 27, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Reuters}} These included making car loan interest fully tax deductible.{{Cite news |last1=Gold |first1=Michael |last2=Rappeport |first2=Alan |date=October 10, 2024 |title=In a Rambling Speech, Trump Offers Gripes and Yet Another Tax Cut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/10/us/politics/trump-detroit-car-loans-deductible.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425163725/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/10/us/politics/trump-detroit-car-loans-deductible.html |archive-date=April 25, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} The former President notably suggested an end to income tax on Social Security benefits,{{Cite news |last=Picchi |first=Aimee |date=August 5, 2024 |editor-last=Sherter |editor-first=Alain |title=Trump wants to cut income taxes on Social Security. Here's how that would impact your benefits |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-social-security-income-tax-cut-here-is-the-impact-on-benefits/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926134851/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-social-security-income-tax-cut-here-is-the-impact-on-benefits/ |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=CBS News}} and "No [federal] Tax On Tips".{{cite news |last=Bushard |first=Brian |date=June 22, 2024 |title=Trump Promises No Taxes On Tips: The Pros And Cons Explained |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2024/06/22/trump-promises-no-taxes-on-tips-the-pros-and-cons-explained/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622222340/https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2024/06/22/trump-promises-no-taxes-on-tips-the-pros-and-cons-explained/ |archive-date=June 22, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Forbes}}

In light of the post-COVID inflation surge, Trump campaigned on ending the "inflation nightmare".{{Cite news |last=Picchi |first=Aimee |date=July 19, 2024 |editor-last=Sherter |editor-first=Alain |title=Trump says he'll end the "inflation nightmare." Economists say Trumponomics could drive up prices. |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-economy-inflation-tariffs-tax-cuts-immigration/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250415160015/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-economy-inflation-tariffs-tax-cuts-immigration/ |archive-date=April 15, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=CBS News |language=en-US}} However, as was the case with Harris' economic proposals, economists criticized his plan for potentially leading to an increase in inflation,{{Cite web |last=Gleckman |first=Howard |date=August 27, 2024 |title=Trump And Harris Efforts To Fight Inflation Are Unlikely To Succeed |url=https://taxpolicycenter.org/taxvox/trump-and-harris-efforts-fight-inflation-are-unlikely-succeed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250413002048/https://taxpolicycenter.org/taxvox/trump-and-harris-efforts-fight-inflation-are-unlikely-succeed |archive-date=April 13, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |website=Tax Policy Center}}{{Cite news |last=Burns |first=Tobias |date=July 10, 2024 |title=Experts see potential for higher inflation under Trump |url=https://thehill.com/business/4762000-higher-inflation-trump-possible-experts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723181956/https://thehill.com/business/4762000-higher-inflation-trump-possible-experts/ |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=The Hill |quote=}} along with adding around $15 trillion to the national debt.{{Cite news |last1=Duehren |first1=Andrew |last2=Rappeport |first2=Alan |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Trump's Plans Could Increase U.S. Debt While Raising Costs for Most Americans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/us/politics/trump-economic-plans-debt-costs.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010060627/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/us/politics/trump-economic-plans-debt-costs.html |archive-date=October 10, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |author1-first= |author1-last=}} Trump also planned to devalue the U.S. dollar to cheapen American exports.{{Cite news |last=Rappeport |first=Alan |date=July 16, 2024 |title=Trump-Vance Administration Could Herald New Era for Dollar |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/16/us/politics/trump-vance-us-dollar.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417201609/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/16/us/politics/trump-vance-us-dollar.html |archive-date=April 17, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}

{{See also|Parental rights movement}}

Trump campaigned on expanding federal management of education,{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Adam |date=November 28, 2023 |title=Trump Wants to Create a National University? |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/11/trump-free-online-university-american-academy/676153/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009122337/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/11/trump-free-online-university-american-academy/676153/ |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |website=The Atlantic}} although with exceptions. On the one hand, he pledged to terminate the Department of Education.{{cite news |last1=McGraw |first1=Meredith |date=January 26, 2023 |title=Trump unveils new education policy loaded with culture war proposals |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/26/trump-unveils-education-policy-culture-war-00079784 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216050140/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/26/trump-unveils-education-policy-culture-war-00079784 |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Politico}} On the other, he suggested giving funding preference to certain schools and universities. Schools with a mask or vaccine mandate, for instance, would not be federally funded. Education programs that, in Trump's words, that include "critical race theory, gender ideology, or other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content" would receive reduced funding. Such proposals formed part of the former President's plan to fight for "patriotic education." This, according to him, "teach[es] students to love their country, not to hate their country like they're taught right now," "defend[s] American tradition and Western civilization" and promotes "the nuclear family". Furthermore, Trump's campaign advocated universal school choice, arguing that parents should be empowered to choose the best education option for their children.{{Cite news|last=Smyth |first=Julie Carr |date=2024-07-11 |title=The GOP platform calls for 'universal school choice.' What would that mean for students? |url=https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-republican-platform-education-schools-172e27bbfb3402d22e5c2effb740654f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009034742/https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-republican-platform-education-schools-172e27bbfb3402d22e5c2effb740654f |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=2024-12-08 |work=Associated Press}} In late 2023, Trump proposed an "American Academy," a free online university open to all Americans that would counter private institutions that "[turn] our students into Communists and terrorists". This would be funded through a tax on the endowments of private universities.{{cite news |last=Hess |first=Frederick |date=November 9, 2023 |title=Trump's "American Academy" is an Awful Idea |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/frederickhess/2023/11/09/trumps-american-academy-is-an-awful-idea/?sh=e87096ae452e |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009122337/https://www.forbes.com/sites/frederickhess/2023/11/09/trumps-american-academy-is-an-awful-idea/?sh=e87096ae452e |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |website=Forbes}}

{{see also|Environmental policy of the first Donald Trump administration|Climate change denial}}

Trump's energy proposals heavily favored fossil fuel production and consumption,{{cite news |last=Waldman |first=Scott |date=January 16, 2024 |title=No more going wobbly in climate fight, Trump supporters vow |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/12/trump-second-term-climate-science-2024-00132289 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117142253/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/12/trump-second-term-climate-science-2024-00132289 |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Politico}}{{cite news |last1=Joselow |first1=Maxine |last2=Puko |first2=Timothy |date=December 11, 2023 |title=Specter of second Trump term looms over global climate talks |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/12/11/trump-climate-talks-cop28-dubai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303071919/https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/12/11/trump-climate-talks-cop28-dubai/ |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} with little, if any, regard for environmentalism. He encapsulated them under the mantra "drill, baby, drill",{{Cite news |last1=Nilsen |first1=Ella |last2=O'Kruk |first2=Amy |date=February 24, 2025 |title=Why Trump's fix for gas prices won't work |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/24/climate/trumps-energy-independence-oil-myth-dg/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324070432/https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/24/climate/trumps-energy-independence-oil-myth-dg/index.html |archive-date=March 24, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=CNN}} or "drill, drill, drill".{{cite news |author1=Jackson |first=David |date=December 5, 2023 |title=Donald Trump says he will be a 'dictator' only on 'day one.' Then he'll focus on drilling. |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/12/05/trump-dictator-day-one/71816204007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206054726/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/12/05/trump-dictator-day-one/71816204007/ |archive-date=December 6, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=USA Today}} Overall, Trump aimed to transform the U.S. into an energy independent country with the lowest electricity and energy costs of any country in the world.{{Cite news |last=Skibell |first=Arianna |date=April 29, 2024 |title=Energy independence is a myth. Candidates don't care. |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/power-switch/2024/04/29/energy-independence-is-a-myth-candidates-dont-care-00154959 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318113633/https://www.politico.com/newsletters/power-switch/2024/04/29/energy-independence-is-a-myth-candidates-dont-care-00154959 |archive-date=March 18, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Politico}} This aim was well-suited to deal with the spike in gasoline prices caused by war in Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=Brennan |first=Eamonn |date=2024-06-26 |title=US ELECTIONS: Gasoline price fluctuations could play role in 2024 presidential election |url=https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/market-insights/latest-news/oil/062624-us-elections-gasoline-price-fluctuations-could-play-role-in-2024-presidential-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908073214/https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/market-insights/latest-news/oil/062624-us-elections-gasoline-price-fluctuations-could-play-role-in-2024-presidential-election |archive-date=September 8, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=S&P Global}} He promised to increase oil drilling on public lands and offer tax breaks to fossil fuel producers. Furthermore, Trump planned to slash environmental regulations and initiatives. He would rollback all electric vehicle initiatives, halt all wind energy projects, and eliminate regulations targeting incandescent lightbulbs, gas stoves, dishwashers, and shower heads.{{Cite news |last=Milman |first=Oliver |date=May 13, 2024 |title=Trump pledges to scrap offshore wind projects on 'day one' of presidency |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/13/trump-president-agenda-climate-policy-wind-power |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409093226/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/13/trump-president-agenda-climate-policy-wind-power |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |last1=Davenport |first1=Coral |last2=Ewing |first2=Jack |date=May 27, 2024 |title=Can Trump Really Slam the Brakes on Electric Vehicles? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/27/climate/trump-electric-vehicles.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408201900/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/27/climate/trump-electric-vehicles.html |archive-date=April 8, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} Regarding global climate efforts, Trump proposed leaving the Paris Agreement, and drafted orders to withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.{{cite news |last1=Lefebvre |first1=Ben |last2=Colman |first2=Zack |date=June 28, 2024 |title=Trump would withdraw US from Paris climate treaty again, campaign says |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/28/trump-paris-climate-treaty-withdrawal-again-00165903 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402182732/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/28/trump-paris-climate-treaty-withdrawal-again-00165903 |archive-date=April 2, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Politico}} Trump's disproportionate preference of fossil fuels is influenced by his denial of global warming. In a 2022 Fox News interview, Trump labelled it as a "hoax," adding that the climate naturally fluctuated.{{cite news |last1=Joyella |first1=Mark |date=March 21, 2022 |title=On Fox, Donald Trump Calls Climate Change A 'Hoax': 'In The 1920's They Were Talking About Global Freezing' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markjoyella/2022/03/21/on-fox-donald-trump-calls-climate-change-a-hoax-in-the-1920s-they-were-talking-about-global-freezing/?sh=4361ef3f3787 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212042756/https://www.forbes.com/sites/markjoyella/2022/03/21/on-fox-donald-trump-calls-climate-change-a-hoax-in-the-1920s-they-were-talking-about-global-freezing/?sh=4361ef3f3787 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Forbes}} He did not officially state how he would tackle global warming if elected.{{cite web |last=Lindsay |first=James M. |date=December 1, 2023 |title=Campaign Roundup: The Republican Presidential Candidates on Climate Change |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/campaign-roundup-republican-presidential-candidates-climate-change |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212042757/https://www.cfr.org/blog/campaign-roundup-republican-presidential-candidates-climate-change |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=Council on Foreign Relations |publisher=}}

{{see also|Foreign policy of the first Donald Trump administration|America First (policy)}}{{Quote box

| quote = It's time to put America first, isn't it? I will end the war in Ukraine. It would have never started if I were president. It would have never—zero chance. I said, "Vladimir, don't even think about it." Zero chance. I will stop the chaos in the Middle East. That would have never happened, October 7th. … But I will prevent World War III. I know them all. We're very close to a world war right now with these people that we have, these low-IQ people that we have right now.

| source = — Donald Trump in a November 2024 rally at Lititz, Pennsylvania{{cite web |title=Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Campaign Rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania - November 3, 2024 |url=https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-lititz-pennsylvania-november-3-2024/ |website=Roll Call |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116200311/https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-lititz-pennsylvania-november-3-2024/ |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025}}

| width = 25%

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Trump's proposed foreign policy was isolationist (a label he denied), which he branded as "America First".{{cite news |last1=Swan |first1=Jonathan |last2=Savage |first2=Charlie |last3=Haberman |first3=Maggie |date=December 9, 2023 |title=Fears of a NATO Withdrawal Rise as Trump Seeks a Return to Power |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/09/us/politics/trump-2025-nato.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210004722/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/09/us/politics/trump-2025-nato.html |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |access-date=December 10, 2023 |work=The New York Times}} {{subscription required}}{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=February 11, 2024 |title=Favoring Foes Over Friends, Trump Threatens to Upend International Order |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/11/us/politics/trump-nato.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220135129/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/11/us/politics/trump-nato.html |archive-date=February 20, 2024 |access-date=February 11, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en |issn=1553-8095}} {{subscription required}} In September 2024, Trump said that America's allies "treat us actually worse than our so-called enemies". He added, "We protect them and then they screw us on trade. We're not going to let it happen anymore".{{cite news |last=Butts |first=Dylan |date=26 September 2024 |title=Not just China, Trump 2.0 could spell trouble for U.S. allies as he doubles down on tariff talk |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/26/not-just-china-trump-2point0-could-spell-trouble-for-us-allies-as-he-doubles-down-on-tariff-talk-.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114165540/https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/26/not-just-china-trump-2point0-could-spell-trouble-for-us-allies-as-he-doubles-down-on-tariff-talk-.html |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |work=CNBC}} Trump promised to "fundamentally reevaluate" NATO's purpose and mission. Trump had said that defending an ally would depend on whether they "fulfilled their obligations to us", called the European Union a "foe" because of "what they do to us in trade", and questioned the value of alliances. On January 10, 2024, Trump said that "NATO has taken advantage of our country" and he would only support allies "if they treat us properly",{{cite news |last=Layne |first=Nathan |date=January 11, 2024 |title=Trump says he knows his VP pick, conditions NATO commitment on European treatment |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-not-worried-about-impact-christie-ending-bid-2024-01-11/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240111045924/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-not-worried-about-impact-christie-ending-bid-2024-01-11/ |archive-date=11 January 2024 |access-date=January 13, 2024 |work=Reuters=}} f they met the alliance's target of spending 2% of GDP on defense.{{cite news |last1=Ibssa |first1=Lalee |last2=Kim |first2=Soo Rin |date=February 11, 2024 |title=Trump says he'd 'encourage' Russia 'to do whatever the hell they want' if a NATO country didn't spend enough on defense |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-russia-nato-defense-funds/story?id=107136736 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211222726/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-russia-nato-defense-funds/story?id=107136736 |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=ABC News}} Trump suggested withdrawing troops from South Korea if it does not pay more to support U.S. troops there.

On the Russo-Ukrainian War, Trump vowed that even before he is inaugurated, he will negotiate an end to the war in a day, stop the "endless flow of American treasure to Ukraine", and make Europeans reimburse the U.S. the cost of rebuilding its old stockpiles. In June 2024, Trump described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "maybe the greatest salesman of any politician that's ever lived ... Every time he comes to our country, he walks away with $60 billion ... It never ends ... I will have that settled prior to taking the White House as president-elect".{{cite news |last1=Gold |first1=Michael |date=June 15, 2024 |title=Trump, in Pitch to Black Voters in Detroit, Casts Biden as Anti-Black |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/15/us/politics/trump-michigan-black-voters.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240616024542/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/15/us/politics/trump-michigan-black-voters.html |archive-date=June 16, 2024 |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times}}{{cite news|last1=Hayden|first1=Jones|title=Trump threatens to cut US aid to Ukraine quickly if reelected|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-ukraine-russia-war-threatens-cut-aid-election-2024/|access-date=June 17, 2024|work=Politico Europe|date=June 16, 2024|archive-date=June 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622225321/https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-ukraine-russia-war-threatens-cut-aid-election-2024/|url-status=live}} However, it was pointed out that most of the money for Ukraine actually goes to American factories and workers who make weapons and military equipment.{{Cite news|last1=Stengle |first1=Jamie |last2=Boak |first2=Josh |date=2024-02-20 |title=Biden wants people to know most of the money he's seeking for Ukraine would be spent in the US |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-johnson-factories-aid-62cbb83a184fd14b1573e25a73475767 |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=Associated Press |archive-date=December 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215092256/https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-johnson-factories-aid-62cbb83a184fd14b1573e25a73475767 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Masters |first1=Jonathan |last2=Merrow |first2=Will |date=September 27, 2024 |title=How Much U.S. Aid Is Going to Ukraine? |url=https://www.cfr.org/article/how-much-us-aid-going-ukraine |website=Council on Foreign Relations |format= |access-date=November 10, 2024 |archive-date=November 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110164815/https://www.cfr.org/article/how-much-us-aid-going-ukraine |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Fact Sheet: US Assistance to Ukraine |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/fact-sheet-us-assistance-ukraine |website=Institute for the Study of War}} Trump previously said he might recognize Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea,{{cite news|title=Trump Discussed Pulling U.S. From NATO, Aides Say Amid New Concerns Over Russia|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/14/us/politics/nato-president-trump.html|work=The New York Times|date=January 14, 2019|access-date=December 10, 2023|last1=Barnes|first1=Julian E.|last2=Helene|first2=Cooper|archive-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113003803/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/14/us/politics/nato-president-trump.html|url-status=live}} and suggested the 2022 invasion could have been prevented by Ukraine giving up parts of its own country to Russia. Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Frederick H. Fleitz, who both served in Trump's National Security Council staff, presented Trump with a detailed peace plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine. The plan aims to force the two sides into peace talks and a ceasefire based on the current frontlines. If Ukraine refused to enter peace talks, weapons supplies would be stopped; if Russia refused peace talks, weapons supplies to Ukraine would be increased.{{cite news |last1=Slattery |first1=Gram |last2=Lewis |first2=Simon |date=2024-06-25 |title=Exclusive-Trump handed plan to halt US military aid to Kyiv unless it talks peace with Moscow |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-reviews-plan-halt-us-military-aid-ukraine-unless-it-negotiates-peace-with-2024-06-25/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240627051959/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-reviews-plan-halt-us-military-aid-ukraine-unless-it-negotiates-peace-with-2024-06-25/ |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=Reuters}}{{cite news |last=Ladden-Hall |first=Dan |date=2024-06-25 |title=Trump's Advisers Draw Up Plan to Give Ukraine Twisted Ultimatum |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-advisers-draw-up-plan-to-give-ukraine-twisted-ultimatum |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814191210/https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-advisers-draw-up-plan-to-give-ukraine-twisted-ultimatum |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The Daily Beast}}

Trump brought in more pro-Israel policies than any president before. He presented himself as a stronger defender of Israel, and is seen as less sympathetic to Palestine than Biden or Harris.{{cite news |last=A Farooq |first=Umar |date=5 November 2024 |title=Where does Donald Trump stand on Israel, Palestine and the Middle East? |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/donald-trump-middle-east-foreign-policy |work=Middle East Eye |archive-date=November 7, 2024 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107072338/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/donald-trump-middle-east-foreign-policy |url-status=live }} He vowed to continue supporting Israel in the Gaza war, and said that Israel must "finish the problem".{{cite news|title=Trump's Gaza comments highlight tough choice for peace-supporting US voters|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/6/trumps-talk-on-gaza-highlights-stark-choice-for-voters-in-us-election|date=March 6, 2024|work=Al Jazeera|access-date=March 9, 2024|archive-date=April 10, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240410212921/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/6/trumps-talk-on-gaza-highlights-stark-choice-for-voters-in-us-election|url-status=live}} Trump is expected to continue arming Israel, likely with "no strings attached" for humanitarian concerns.{{cite news |last=Spetalnick |first=Matt |date=6 November 2024 |title=Trump's erratic foreign policy to meet 'a world on fire' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-erratic-foreign-policy-meet-a-world-fire-2024-11-06/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241106101612/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-erratic-foreign-policy-meet-a-world-fire-2024-11-06/ |archive-date=6 November 2024 |work=Reuters}} He promised to ban Gaza residents from entering the US.{{cite news |last1=Hillyard |first1=Vaughn |last2=Smith |first2=Allan |date=March 5, 2024 |title=Trump breaks silence on Israel's military campaign in Gaza: 'Finish the problem' |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-israel-gaza-finish-problem-rcna141905 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404222856/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-israel-gaza-finish-problem-rcna141905 |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |access-date=March 9, 2024 |work=NBC News }}

Trump suggested sending armed forces into Mexico to battle drug cartels. In the last days of his presidential campaign, Trump voiced support in favor of the restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, amid the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.{{Cite news|date=October 24, 2024 |title=Trump vows to restore Armenia-Azerbaijan peace if elected, slams Harris for doing 'nothing' during NK ethnic cleansing |url=https://armenpress.am/en/article/1203077}}{{Cite news|last=Barseghyan |first=Arshaluys |date=October 24, 2024 |title=Trump blames Harris for inaction during displacement of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians |url=https://oc-media.org/trump-blames-harris-for-inaction-during-displacement-of-nagorno-karabakh-armenians/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |archive-date=November 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107161941/https://oc-media.org/trump-blames-harris-for-inaction-during-displacement-of-nagorno-karabakh-armenians/ |url-status=live }}

Trump's platform calls for the vast expansion of presidential powers and the executive branch.{{Cite news |last1=Savage |first1=Charlie |date=April 24, 2024 |title=Trump's Immunity Claim Joins His Plans to Increase Executive Power |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/24/us/trump-immunity-president-supreme-court.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424183452/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/24/us/trump-immunity-president-supreme-court.html |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} {{subscription required}} In campaign speeches, Trump stated that he would centralize government power under his authority, replace career federal civil service employees with political loyalists, and use the military for domestic law enforcement and the deportation of immigrants.{{cite news |last1=Arnsdorf |first1=Isaac |last2=Stein |first2=Jeff |date=April 21, 2023 |title=Trump touts authoritarian vision for second term: 'I am your justice' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2023/04/21/trump-agenda-policies-2024/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028115140/https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2023/04/21/trump-agenda-policies-2024/ |archive-date=October 28, 2023 |access-date=October 9, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

Trump has called to bring independent agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission under direct presidential control. Trump's allies have drafted an executive order requiring all independent agencies to submit actions to the White House for review. Trump has called for presidential authority to 'impound' funds for Congressionally appropriated programs, a practice which was outlawed under President Richard Nixon. Trump promised to order the U.S. Justice Department to investigate political rivals and Joe Biden, and fire Attorneys General who disobeyed him.{{Cite news |last=Liptak |first=Adam |date=June 5, 2024 |title=Trump's Vows to Prosecute Rivals Put Rule of Law on the Ballot |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/05/us/trump-retribution-justice.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609020425/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/05/us/trump-retribution-justice.html |archive-date=June 9, 2024 |access-date=June 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} {{subscription required}}{{cite news |last=Peter |first=Stone |date=November 10, 2023 |title=Trump suggests he would use FBI to go after political rivals if elected in 2024 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/10/trump-fbi-rivals-2024-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607095354/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/10/trump-fbi-rivals-2024-election |archive-date=June 7, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The Guardian}}{{cite news |last=Farhi |first=Paul |date=October 5, 2023 |title=Trump's violent rhetoric is getting muted coverage by the news media |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2023/10/05/trump-violent-shoplifters-milley-media/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231008041542/https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2023/10/05/trump-violent-shoplifters-milley-media/ |archive-date=8 October 2023 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} He called for jailing people whose actions he objects to, including Supreme Court critics, flag burners, and the January 6 Committee.{{cite news |last=Samuels |first=Brett |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Trump calls for Jan. 6 committee members to be indicted |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4708462-trump-jan-6-committee-members-indicted-bannon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609094818/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4708462-trump-jan-6-committee-members-indicted-bannon/ |archive-date=June 9, 2024 |access-date=June 9, 2024 |work=The Hill}}{{Cite news |last=Dreisbach |first=Tom |date=2024-10-22 |title=Trump has made more than 100 threats to prosecute or punish perceived enemies |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/21/nx-s1-5134924/trump-election-2024-kamala-harris-elizabeth-cheney-threat-civil-liberties |access-date=2024-10-22 |work=NPR}} According to the New York Times, Trump has called for stripping employment protections for thousands of career civil service employees and replacing them with political loyalists if deemed an 'obstacle to his agenda' within federal agencies, the U.S. Intelligence Community, State Department, and Department of Defense. Trump has proposed instituting a new civil service test of his own creation to test the loyalty of federal workers. Trump has promised to crack down on whistleblowers who are shielded by law and create an independent body to "monitor" intelligence agencies.

Trump's plan to expand presidential powers is based largely on a controversial and not widely-held interpretation of the constitution known as the unitary executive theory.{{cite news |last1=Wendling |first1=Mike |date=July 7, 2024 |title=Project 2025: A wish list for a Trump presidency, explained |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977njnvq2do |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612125321/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977njnvq2do |archive-date=June 12, 2024 |access-date=August 1, 2024 |work=BBC News}}{{harvnb|Dodds|Kelley|2024|p=547}} The theory rejects the notion of the separation of powers and that the government is composed of three separate branches but that Article Two of the Constitution gives the President absolute authority. Such proposals would be carried out via the reintroduction of Schedule F that was originally introduced at the end of Trump's former presidency, which would strip civil service protections of tens of thousands of civil servants to be at-will appointments filled with Trump loyalists identified by Project 2025 of The Heritage Foundation.{{cite news |last1=Swan |first1=Jonathan |last2=Savage |first2=Charlie |last3=Maggie |first3=Haberman |date=September 15, 2023 |title=Biden Administration Aims to Trump-Proof the Federal Work Force |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/15/us/politics/trump-biden-schedule-f.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205174203/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/15/us/politics/trump-biden-schedule-f.html |archive-date=December 5, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |work=The New York Times}} The reforms have been described as a reimposition of the Jacksonian spoils system.{{Cite news |last=Stier |first=Max |date=2022-08-02 |title=The Patronage System Was Corrupt. It's Threatening a Comeback. |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/08/02/trump-civil-service-public-safety-00048796 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219131400/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/08/02/trump-civil-service-public-safety-00048796 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |access-date=2023-12-19 |work=Politico |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Davidson |first=Joe |date=2020-10-29 |title=Trump doesn't get it. Civil servants shield taxpayers from a politicized government. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-order-federal-civil-servants/2020/10/29/7ce00f8e-1922-11eb-bb35-2dcfdab0a345_story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230502150303/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-order-federal-civil-servants/2020/10/29/7ce00f8e-1922-11eb-bb35-2dcfdab0a345_story.html |archive-date=2 May 2023 |access-date=2024-01-05 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en}} His proposal has been widely criticized as dangerous for democracy.{{Cite magazine|last=Schlesinger |first=Robert |date=July 29, 2024 |title=J.D. Vance Proves It: Trump Hires the Very Worst People |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/184328/jd-vance-trump-hires-terrible-judgment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911074504/https://newrepublic.com/article/184328/jd-vance-trump-hires-terrible-judgment |archive-date=September 11, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |magazine=The New Republic}}{{Cite news |last=Hirsh |first=Michael |date=September 19, 2023 |title=Inside the Next Republican Revolution |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/09/19/project-2025-trump-reagan-00115811 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106072647/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/09/19/project-2025-trump-reagan-00115811 |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |access-date=November 6, 2023 |work=Politico |quote=For Trump personally, of course, this is a live-or-die agenda, and Trump campaign officials acknowledge that it aligns well with their own 'Agenda 47' program.}}{{Cite news |last=Luce |first=Edward |date=May 17, 2024 |title=Trump's real plans for the deep state |url=https://www.ft.com/content/a738e781-5c80-4d9d-b1cd-e9a145878b53 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240517130624/https://www.ft.com/content/a738e781-5c80-4d9d-b1cd-e9a145878b53 |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=Financial Times}}

On April 26, 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported Trump allies plan on greatly limiting the independence of the Federal Reserve should Trump win the election. Of particular note were plans to allow the president to directly set interest rates, remove Chair Jerome Powell before his term expires in 2026, and subject the Fed to oversight from the OMB.{{cite news |last1=Restuccia |first1=Andrew |last2=Timiraos |first2=Nick |last3=Leary |first3=Alex |date=April 26, 2024 |title=Trump Allies Draw Up Plans to Blunt Fed's Independence |url=https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/trump-allies-federal-reserve-independence-54423c2f |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240427203956/https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/trump-allies-federal-reserve-independence-54423c2f |archive-date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660}}{{cite news |last1=Waters |first1=Carlos |last2=Jacobson |first2=Lindsey |date=June 12, 2024 |title=The danger of political interference at the Federal Reserve |url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2024/06/12/the-danger-of-political-interference-at-the-federal-reserve.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622203703/https://www.cnbc.com/video/2024/06/12/the-danger-of-political-interference-at-the-federal-reserve.html |archive-date=June 22, 2024 |access-date=June 22, 2024 |work=CNBC}}{{cite news |last=Cox |first=Jeff |date=August 8, 2024 |title=Trump says he should get a say on Federal Reserve interest rate decisions |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/08/trump-says-he-should-get-a-say-on-federal-reserve-interest-rate-decisions.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009122409/https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/08/trump-says-he-should-get-a-say-on-federal-reserve-interest-rate-decisions.html |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |work=CNBC}}{{cite news |last1=Restuccia |first1=Andrew |last2=Timiraos |first2=Nick |date=August 8, 2024 |title=Trump's Plans Stir Fears for Fed Independence, Inflation |url=https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/trumps-plans-stir-fears-for-fed-independence-inflation-689bc113 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240809010111/https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/trumps-plans-stir-fears-for-fed-independence-inflation-689bc113 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}

(EFFICIENCY)

Trump pledged to appoint Elon Musk to chair Federal Efficiency Commission. Trump said the commission would audit the entire federal government and propose "dramatic reforms".{{Cite news|last1=Treene |first1=Alayna |last2=Luhby |first2=Tami |last3=Lobosco |first3=Katie |last4=Contorno |first4=Steve |last5=Sullivan |first5=Kate |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Trump says Elon Musk has agreed to lead proposed government efficiency commission as ex-president unveils new economic plans |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/05/politics/trump-economic-plans-musk-government-commission/index.html |work=CNN}} Musk has also officially announced that he will accept the appointment if Trump is elected.{{Cite news|last=Cooper |first=Jonathan |date=September 6, 2024 |title=Trump says he'd create a government efficiency commission led by Elon Musk |url=https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-elon-musk-government-efficiency-commission-e831ed5dc2f6a56999e1a70bb0a4eaeb |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=Associated Press}} Everett Kelley, president of a union representing federal government workers, criticized the proposal, saying "There's nothing efficient about that".{{cite news |last1=Coster |first1=Helen |last2=Slattery |first2=Gram |date=6 September 2024 |title=Trump says he will tap Elon Musk to lead government efficiency commission if elected |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-says-he-will-tap-elon-musk-to-lead-government-efficiency-commission-if-elected/ |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=The Times of Israel |quote='There's nothing efficient about that,' Kelley told Reuters.}} Trump vowed to achieve his long-held goal of drastic reform by minimizing government and cutting red tape government regulations, which he says are the bureaucracies that are holding back American prosperity.{{cite news|last=Blair |first=Alex |date=September 6, 2024 |title=Donald Trump says he will employ Elon Musk to audit US Government if elected |url=https://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/us-politics/donald-trump-says-he-will-employ-elon-musk-to-audit-us-government-if-elected/news-story/1dcb09a8f3f20ec00306beb0220a147e |access-date=September 6, 2024 |work=News.com.au}}{{cite news |last1=Epstein |first1=Kayla |last2=Sherman |first2=Natalie |date=5 September 2024 |title=Trump says Musk could head 'government efficiency' force |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74lgwkrmrpo |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=BBC News |quote=would enlist Elon Musk to run a 'government efficiency commission'}}{{cite news |date=5 September 2024 |title=Trump pledges to tap Elon Musk to head government efficiency commission |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/5/trump-pledges-to-tap-elon-musk-to-head-government-efficiency-commission |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |quote=to create a 'government efficiency' commission headed by entrepreneur Elon Musk}} He suggested shutting down multiple departments for "bureaucratic waste".{{Cite news |last=Keller |first=6 p m Read Full Bio Jon |date=2025-02-20 |title=Keller: Trump administration's claim of bureaucratic waste doesn't hold up at JFK Library - CBS Boston |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/jfk-library-finances-keller-at-large/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}

Trump's key message on healthcare was a call to "Make America Healthy Again," a slogan borrowed from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who endorsed the former President. To do so, he would tackle the chronic disease epidemic by going after the pharmaceutical industry and ultraprocessed foods. The former President initially promised to replace the Affordable Care Act, which he had attempted in 2017.{{cite news |author1=Capur |first=Sahil |date=November 29, 2023 |title=Trump doubles down, saying 'Obamacare Sucks' and must be replaced |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/trump-doubles-saying-obamacare-sucks-must-replaced-rcna126978 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208114339/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/trump-doubles-saying-obamacare-sucks-must-replaced-rcna126978 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=NBC News}} However, by the end of the election season, he ruled out altering the Affordable Care Act, going as far as to claim that he "never even thought about such a thing".{{Cite news |last=Luhby |first=Tami |date=October 31, 2024 |title=Fact check: Trump falsely claims he never wanted to end the Affordable Care Act |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/31/politics/aca-trump-repeal-affordable-care-act/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211074931/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/31/politics/aca-trump-repeal-affordable-care-act/index.html |archive-date=February 11, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=CNN}}{{Cite news |last=Jacobson |first=Louis |date=November 5, 2024 |title=Fact Check: Did Donald Trump ever mention ending the Affordable Care Act? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/5/fact-check-did-donald-trump-ever-mention-ending-the-affordable-care-act |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218043007/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/5/fact-check-did-donald-trump-ever-mention-ending-the-affordable-care-act |archive-date=February 18, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Al Jazeera}} Trump also insisted that he would keep Medicare and Social Security intact.{{Cite news |last=Luhby |first=Tami |date=November 13, 2024 |title=How a second Trump term could affect Social Security benefits |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/13/politics/benefits-trump-social-security-plan/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213021102/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/13/politics/benefits-trump-social-security-plan/index.html |archive-date=February 13, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=CNN}} In March 2024, after alluding to cutting "entitlements," which was avidly denounced by the Biden campaign, he clarified that this did not include Medicare or Social Security.{{cite news |last=Browning |first=Kellen |date=March 11, 2024 |title=Trump Mentions Cutting Entitlements, and Biden Pounces |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/us/politics/trump-mentions-cutting-entitlements-and-biden-pounces.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311202251/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/us/politics/trump-mentions-cutting-entitlements-and-biden-pounces.html |archive-date=March 11, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} Ultimately, Trump did not commit to reforming welfare programs.{{cite news |last=Cancryn |first=Adam |date=March 11, 2024 |title=Trump tees up a Biden broadside on Social Security |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/11/trump-biden-social-security-2024-elections-00146307 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322002140/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/11/trump-biden-social-security-2024-elections-00146307 |archive-date=March 22, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Politico}} He also pledged to make in-vitro fertilization free of charge.{{Cite news |last1=Burns |first1=Dasha |last2=Brooks |first2=Abigail |last3=Marquez |first3=Alexandra |date=August 28, 2024 |title=Trump says he wants to make IVF treatments paid for by government or insurance companies if elected |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-wants-make-ivf-treatments-paid-government-insurance-compani-rcna168804 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407140944/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-wants-make-ivf-treatments-paid-government-insurance-compani-rcna168804 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=NBC News}}

{{See also|Immigration policy of the first Donald Trump administration|Deportation in the second presidency of Donald Trump}}{{Quote box

| quote = In one town, in Ohio, as you know, they have a beautiful town of—think of this—50,000 people. And they dumped 30,000 migrants into the town. … It's a whole different world. It can't be—we can't allow this to happen. They're destroying our country. November 5th, 2024, will be liberation day in America. On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program of criminals in American history. I will rescue every city and town that has been invaded and conquered.

| source = — Donald Trump in his final rally at Grand Rapids, Michigan{{cite web |title=Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Campaign Rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan - November 4, 2024 |url=https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-grand-rapids-michigan-november-4-2024/ |website=Roll Call |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424121013/https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-grand-rapids-michigan-november-4-2024/ |archive-date=April 24, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025}}

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The New York Times reported that Trump planned a mass deportation of illegal immigrants: "an extreme expansion of his first-term crackdown on immigration", including "preparing to round up undocumented people already in the U.S. on a vast scale and detain them in sprawling camps while they wait to be expelled", and that it "amounts to an assault on immigration on a scale unseen in modern American history".{{cite news |last1=Savage |first1=Charlie |last2=Haberman |first2=Maggie |last3=Swan |first3=Jonathan |date=November 11, 2023 |title=Sweeping Raids, Giant Camps and Mass Deportations: Inside Trump's 2025 Immigration Plans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/11/us/politics/trump-2025-immigration-agenda.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425100016/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/11/us/politics/trump-2025-immigration-agenda.html |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |access-date=November 11, 2023 |work=The New York Times}} {{subscription required}} To achieve the goal of deporting millions per year, Trump has stated his intent to expand a form of deportation that does not require due process hearings which would be accomplished by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, and invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807 to allow the military to apprehend migrants.

During rallies, Trump has blurred the distinction between legal and illegal immigrants, and has promised to deport both.{{Cite news |last=Oliphant |first=James |date=October 4, 2024 |title=Trump's already harsh rhetoric on migrants is turning darker as Election Day nears |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-already-harsh-rhetoric-migrants-is-turning-darker-election-day-nears-2024-10-04/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241004152235/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-already-harsh-rhetoric-migrants-is-turning-darker-election-day-nears-2024-10-04/ |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=Reuters}}{{Cite news |last=Phifer |first=Donica |date=October 3, 2024 |title=Trump floats deporting legal Haitian migrants living in Ohio |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/10/03/trump-springfield-haitian-migrants-tps |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005120932/https://www.axios.com/2024/10/03/trump-springfield-haitian-migrants-tps?__cf_chl_rt_tk=Pwa6jpc9xooGPXZfSzeGSc9Tnb1r1J6.1LUQN0DGnQo-1728130172-0.0.1.1-6207 |archive-date=October 5, 2024 |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=Axios}} Trump has stated he will deport between 15 and 20 million people, although the estimated number of undocumented immigrants is only 11 million.{{cite news|last1=Garsd |first1=Jasmine |date=2024-10-02 |title=Vance leaves the cat and dog claims behind as he battles Walz over immigration |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/02/nx-s1-5135676/fentanyl-border-immigration-jd-vance-tim-walz-debate-2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007192838/https://www.npr.org/2024/10/02/nx-s1-5135676/fentanyl-border-immigration-jd-vance-tim-walz-debate-2024 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-10-07 |work=NPR}} This is estimated by the American Immigration Council to cost at least $315 billion, or $967.9 billion over a decade, and by the Brookings Institution and Peterson Institute for International Economics to result in a decrease in employment for American-born workers".{{Cite news|last=Sheeler |first=Andrew |date=2024-10-02 |title=A Donald Trump mass deportation of immigrants would cost hundreds of billions, report says |url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article293359389.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002211729/https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article293359389.html |archive-date=October 2, 2024 |access-date=2024-10-02 |work=The Sacramento Bee}}

File:Illegal border crossings to the United States from the Southwestern border by month (2010–2024).png}}]]

Trump would reassign federal agents to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and deputize local police officers and sheriffs, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and National Guard soldiers volunteered by Republican states which would be sent to blue states.{{Cite news |last=Brownstein |first=Ronald |date=February 8, 2024 |title=Trump's 'Knock on the Door' |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/02/trumps-immigration-plan-is-even-more-aggressive-now/677385/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210204500/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/02/trumps-immigration-plan-is-even-more-aggressive-now/677385/ |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |access-date=February 11, 2024 |work=The Atlantic}} Individuals would be placed in massive camps constructed with funds redirected from the military budget in case of any refusal by Congress to appropriate funding. ICE raids would be expanded to include workplace raids and sweeps in public places. Following arrest, Stephen Miller has stated that immigrants would be taken to "large-scale staging grounds near the border, most likely in Texas" to be held in internment camps prior to deportation.{{cite news |last1=Graziosi |first1=Graig |date=September 8, 2024 |title=Trump says his plan to expel millions of immigrants will be a 'bloody story' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-immigrants-plan-bloody-story-b2609092.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915010045/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-immigrants-plan-bloody-story-b2609092.html |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |access-date=September 15, 2024 |work=The Independent}} The Trump team will also attempt to overturn the Flores settlement that prevents the indefinite holding of children.

Trump promised to reinstate his ban on entry to individuals from certain Muslim-majority nations. Trump has said he would build more of the border wall, and move thousands of troops currently stationed overseas to the southern border. Other proposals include: banning visas of foreign students who participated in anti-Israel/pro-Palestinian protests; suspending the U.S. refugee program; directing U.S. consular officials to expand ideological screening of applicants deemed to have undesirable attitudes; revoking temporary protected status to individuals living in the U.S.; ending birthright citizenship for babies born to undocumented parents.{{Cite news |last=Hesson |first=Ted |date=May 30, 2023 |title=Trump vows to end birthright citizenship for children of immigrants in US illegally |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-vows-end-birthright-citizenship-children-immigrants-us-illegally-2023-05-30/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402091633/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-vows-end-birthright-citizenship-children-immigrants-us-illegally-2023-05-30/ |archive-date=April 2, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=Reuters}}

Throughout January and early February 2024, Trump successfully called on House and Senate Republicans to kill a bipartisan immigration deal to address the Southern border crisis that included several sought-after conservative proposals. He admitted that he did not want a deal to pass as it would be "another gift to the Radical Left Democrats" who "need it politically" and would impact a key plank of his reelection campaign.{{Cite news |last1=Arnsdorf |first1=Isaac |date=January 28, 2024 |title=Trump brags about efforts to stymie border talks: 'Please blame it on me' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/01/27/trump-border-biden/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 28, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} {{subscription required}}{{cite news |last1=Hammond |first1=Elise |last2=Shen |first2=Michelle |last3=Forrest |first3=Jack |last4=Shelton |first4=Shania |date=February 7, 2024 |title=Senate GOP blocks bipartisan border deal and foreign aid package in key vote |url=https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/senate-vote-border-bill-aid-02-07-24/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324052232/https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/senate-vote-border-bill-aid-02-07-24/index.html |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=CNN}}

Trump told numerous lies about immigration on the campaign trail. A report on the 2024 election asserts that, "The topic of (illegal) immigration, more than any other issue,

has been vital to Trump’s political resurgence".{{harvnb|Hass et al.|2025|p=7}}

{{Quote box

| quote = We will crush the violent crime that's plaguing our cities and give our police the support, protection, resources, and respect they so dearly deserve. They will stop the crime.

| source = — Donald Trump in an October 2024 rally at Greensboro, North Carolina{{cite web |title=Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Campaign Rally in Greensboro, North Carolina - October 22, 2024 |url=https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-greensboro-north-carolina-october-22-2024/ |website=Roll Call |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119175057/https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-greensboro-north-carolina-october-22-2024/ |archive-date=January 19, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025}}

| width = 25%

}}

Trump ran on a pro-police "law and order" platform.{{cite news |last1=Gold |first1=Michael |date=December 21, 2023 |title=Trump Pushes Pro-Police Agenda, With a Big Exception: His Criminal Cases |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/21/us/politics/trump-police-criminal-cases.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009121822/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/21/us/politics/trump-police-criminal-cases.html |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} Calling out crime and homelessness in Democratic-run cities was a central message of his, which often devolved into exaggerated reports of violence and disorder overrunning the country.{{Cite news |last1=Sonnier |first1=Olympia |last2=Kamisar |first2=Ben |date=April 19, 2023 |title=Trump says he'll ban homeless camping, create "tent cities" |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meetthepressblog/trump-says-ban-homeless-camping-create-tent-cities-rcna80480 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410001632/https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meetthepressblog/trump-says-ban-homeless-camping-create-tent-cities-rcna80480 |archive-date=April 10, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=NBC News}} Despite this, statistics consistently showed that violent crime had decreased since 2020.{{Cite news |last=Cercone |first=Jeff |date=September 29, 2024 |title=What's behind recent false claims about immigrants and crime in the US? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/9/29/whats-behind-recent-false-claims-about-immigrants-and-crime-in-the-us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206201721/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/9/29/whats-behind-recent-false-claims-about-immigrants-and-crime-in-the-us |archive-date=February 6, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Al Jazeera}}{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Lori |date=October 23, 2024 |title=Crime Stats Still Show a Decline Since 2020 |url=https://www.factcheck.org/2024/10/crime-stats-still-show-a-decline-since-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330233349/https://www.factcheck.org/2024/10/crime-stats-still-show-a-decline-since-2020/ |archive-date=March 30, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=FactCheck.org}}{{Cite news |last=Gilder |first=Lucy |date=October 19, 2024 |title=What latest FBI data shows about violent crime |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4glxxreed7o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330023624/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4glxxreed7o |archive-date=March 30, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=BBC News}} Trump repeatedly made baseless claims of a "migrant crime wave" caused by the crisis at the Southern border.{{Cite news |last1=Olympia |first1=Sonnier |last2=Haake |first2=Garrett |date=February 29, 2024 |title=Trump's claims of a migrant crime wave are not supported by national data |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trumps-claims-migrant-crime-wave-are-not-supported-national-data-rcna140896 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622153032/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trumps-claims-migrant-crime-wave-are-not-supported-national-data-rcna140896 |archive-date=June 22, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024 |work=NBC News}}{{Cite web |last=Odrich |first=Jeremy |date=October 10, 2024 |title=The Myth of the Migrant Crime Wave |url=https://www.thirdway.org/memo/the-myth-of-the-migrant-crime-wave |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213221015/https://www.thirdway.org/memo/the-myth-of-the-migrant-crime-wave |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=Third Way}}{{Cite news |last=Riccardi |first=Nicholas |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Trump seizes on one block of a Colorado city to warn of migrant crime threat, even as crime dips |url=https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-aurora-colorado-crime-immigration-c76df9f1dcda7e06a983105e5e970aeb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405033223/https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-aurora-colorado-crime-immigration-c76df9f1dcda7e06a983105e5e970aeb |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}

To resolve this imagined crime wave, he planned for mass deportations and more aggressive police use of force. He suggested sending the National Guard into crime-struck cities and reserving Justice Department grants to cities that adopt his preferred policing methods such as stop-and-frisk.{{Cite web |last=Jacobs |first=Rebecca |date=July 11, 2024 |title=Trump has repeatedly outlined plans to militarize law enforcement |url=https://www.citizensforethics.org/reports-investigations/crew-investigations/trump-has-repeatedly-outlined-plans-to-militarize-law-enforcement/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207131505/https://www.citizensforethics.org/reports-investigations/crew-investigations/trump-has-repeatedly-outlined-plans-to-militarize-law-enforcement/ |archive-date=February 7, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington}} The former President voiced support for shooting suspected shoplifters and having police carry out "one really violent day" against those committing property crimes.{{Cite news |last=Mathis |first=Joel |date=October 3, 2024 |title=How Trump's 'dark' rhetoric could motivate undecided voters |url=https://theweek.com/politics/how-trumps-dark-rhetoric-could-motivate-undecided-voters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410002020/https://theweek.com/politics/how-trumps-dark-rhetoric-could-motivate-undecided-voters |archive-date=April 10, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=The Week}} He pledged to expand use of the death penalty, including for drug dealers, smugglers, and migrants who kill American citizens and law enforcement officers.{{Cite news|last1=Richards |first1=Zoë |last2=Traylor |first2=Jake |date=2024-10-12 |title=Trump calls for death penalty for migrants who kill U.S. citizens |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-calls-death-penalty-migrants-kill-us-citizens-rcna175131 |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207080849/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-calls-death-penalty-migrants-kill-us-citizens-rcna175131 |url-status=live }} Trump also advocated for the implementation of qualified immunity and full indemnification for law enforcement officers. Regarding homelessness, he campaigned on banning urban camping and instead creating "tent cities" on inexpensive land. These would be staffed with doctors and social workers to help the homeless seek treatment.

Trump repeatedly voiced support for outlawing political dissent and criticism he considers misleading or challenges his claims to power.{{Cite news |last=Blake |first=Aaron |date=2024-09-24 |title=Trump keeps talking about criminalizing dissent |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/09/24/trump-keeps-talking-about-criminalizing-dissent/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927204013/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/09/24/trump-keeps-talking-about-criminalizing-dissent/ |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |access-date=2024-10-01 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{Cite news |last=Kapur |first=Sahil |date=October 13, 2024 |title='Totally illegal': Trump escalates rhetoric on outlawing political dissent and criticism |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/totally-illegal-trump-escalates-rhetoric-outlawing-political-dissent-c-rcna174280 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241013141931/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/totally-illegal-trump-escalates-rhetoric-outlawing-political-dissent-c-rcna174280 |archive-date=October 13, 2024 |access-date=October 13, 2024 |work=NBC News}} Trump and his allies have reportedly drafted executive orders to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act on the first day of his presidency to allow the military to shut down civil demonstrations against him. Campaigning in Iowa, Trump stated he would deploy the military in Democratic cities and states.{{cite news |last1=Fields |first1=Gary |date=November 27, 2023 |title=Trump hints at expanded role for the military within the US. A legacy law gives him few guardrails |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-insurrection-act-2024-election-03858b6291e4721991b5a18c2dfb3c36 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210210436/https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-insurrection-act-2024-election-03858b6291e4721991b5a18c2dfb3c36 |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |access-date=December 10, 2023 |work=Associated Press}}

Trump said his government would "crush" pro-Palestinian protests, deport pro-Palestinian demonstrators, and "set the movement back 25 or 30 years".{{cite news |last1=Dawsey |first1=Josh |author-link=Josh Dawsey |last2=DeYoung |first2=Karen |author-link2=Karen DeYoung |last3=LeVine |first3=Marianne |date=May 27, 2024 |title=Trump told donors he will crush pro-Palestinian protests, deport demonstrators |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/05/27/trump-israel-gaza-policy-donors/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601213721/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/05/27/trump-israel-gaza-policy-donors/ |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=June 1, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286}}

Trump suggested investigating MSNBC and NBC's parent corporation Comcast should he return to office, calling their news coverage of him "treason". Similarly, he pledged to prosecute Google for only displaying "bad stories" about him.{{cite news |last1=Ward |first1=Jasper |last2=Singh |first2=Kanishka |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Trump says he will seek Google's prosecution if he wins election |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-will-seek-googles-prosecution-if-he-wins-election-2024-09-27/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002032117/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-will-seek-googles-prosecution-if-he-wins-election-2024-09-27/ |archive-date=October 2, 2024 |access-date= |work=Reuters}} He also stated that ABC and CBS should lose their broadcast licenses and their journalists sent to jail if they refused to name confidential sources.{{Cite news |last=Folkenflik |first=David |date=2024-10-21 |title=Could Trump's threats against news outlets carry weight if he wins the presidency? |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/21/nx-s1-5150039/could-trumps-threats-against-news-outlets-carry-weight-if-he-wins-the-presidency |access-date=2024-10-22 |work=NPR}}

{{see also|2020s anti-LGBTQ movement in the United States|Social policy of the first Donald Trump administration#LGBTQ rights|Reverse racism}}

File:Chaya Raichik and MTG.jpg representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Libs of TikTok founder Chaya Raichik, two Trump advocates and proponents of the 2020s reaction against the LGBTQ community; Trump's policies reflected this sentiment]]

Trump's campaign has stated its intention to reinterpret existing Civil Rights-era protections for minorities to counter "anti-white racism". According to Axios, Trump's Justice Department would "push to eliminate or upend programs in government and corporate America that are designed to counter racism that has favored whites".{{cite news|title=Exclusive: Trump allies plot anti-racism protections — for white people|url=https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/trump-reverse-racism-civil-rights|work=Axios|date=April 1, 2024|access-date=April 3, 2024|last=Thompson|first=Alex|archive-date=May 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514182849/https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/trump-reverse-racism-civil-rights|url-status=live}} Trump has stated that there is a "definite anti-white feeling in the country". Trump's advisors have stated Trump will rescind Biden's Executive Orders designed to boost diversity and racial equity. Trump pledged a federal task force to fight the “persecution against Christians in America”.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Peter |date=May 18, 2024 |title=Jesus is their savior, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-christian-evangelicals-conservatives-2024-election-43f25118c133170c77786daf316821c3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524232811/https://apnews.com/article/trump-christian-evangelicals-conservatives-2024-election-43f25118c133170c77786daf316821c3 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |newspaper=Associated Press}}

Trump promised a rollback on trans rights.{{Cite news |date=March 27, 2024 |title=How a second Trump presidency could impact the LGBTQ+ community |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsoGfOesEEA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009121351/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsoGfOesEEA |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=July 1, 2024 |work=PBS News Hour}}{{cite news |last=Chen |first=Shawna |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Trump unveils sweeping attack on trans rights |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/01/31/trump-transgender-rights-lgbtq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216044358/https://www.axios.com/2023/01/31/trump-transgender-rights-lgbtq |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |access-date=December 16, 2023 |work=Axios}} Trump stated he will rescind Biden's Title IX protections "on day one" for transgender students using bathrooms, locker rooms, and pronouns that align with their gender identities.{{cite news|title=Trump Promises Rollback On Trans Rights: Here's What He's Said|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/05/10/trump-promises-rollback-on-trans-rights-heres-what-hes-said/?sh=51549ef4dae0|work=Forbes|date=May 10, 2024|access-date=May 11, 2024|last=Dorn|first=Sara|archive-date=May 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512031225/https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/05/10/trump-promises-rollback-on-trans-rights-heres-what-hes-said/?sh=51549ef4dae0|url-status=live}} Trump has stated that he will ask Congress to pass a bill stating that the U.S. will only recognize two genders as determined at birth, and has promised to crackdown on gender-affirming care. Trump has stated that hospitals and health care providers that provide transitional hormones or surgery will no longer qualify for federal funding, including Medicare and Medicaid funding. Trump has stated he will push to prohibit hormonal and surgical intervention for minors in all 50 states.

Trump's campaign has been more accepting on lesbian, gay, and bisexual rights. During the drafting of the Republican Party's 2024 presidential platform, he advocated for a more tolerant position on same-sex marriage and successfully removed language that supported conversion therapy.{{Cite news|last=Dixon |first=Matt |date=2024-05-23 |title=Trump team moves behind the scenes to shift the GOP platform on abortion and marriage |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-team-shift-rnc-gop-platform-abortion-marriage-rcna152677 |access-date=2024-09-26 |work=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613152932/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-team-shift-rnc-gop-platform-abortion-marriage-rcna152677 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Messerly |first1=Megan |last2=Allison |first2=Natalie |last3=Sentner |first3=Irie |date=July 8, 2024 |title=RNC committee approves dropping national limits on abortion from party platform |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/08/rnc-platform-national-abortion-limits-00166788 |access-date=July 24, 2024 |work=Politico |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718045835/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/08/rnc-platform-national-abortion-limits-00166788 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Scherer |first1=Michael |last2=Dawsey |first2=Josh |date=July 8, 2024 |title=GOP adopts platform that softens language on abortion, same-sex marriage |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/08/trump-abortion-republican-platform/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240709005523/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/08/trump-abortion-republican-platform/ |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=July 24, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

{{Main|Rhetoric of Donald Trump}}{{See also|Trumpism#Methods of persuasion|False or misleading statements by Donald Trump#2024 presidential campaign}}{{Quote box

| quote = The great silent majority is rising like never before. And under our leadership, the forgotten man and woman will be forgotten no longer. You’re going to be forgotten no longer. With your help, your love and your vote, we will put America first.

And today, especially in honor of our great veterans on Veterans Day, we pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical-left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country, that lie and steal and cheat on elections and will do anything possible—they’ll do anything, whether legally or illegally, to destroy America and to destroy the American dream.

The real threat is not from the radical right. The real threat is from the radical left. And it is growing every day. Every single day.

| source = — Donald Trump in a November 2023 rally at Claremont, New Hampshire

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Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric received immense media coverage. According to myriad journalists and scholars, and even—to an extent—Trump's own team, it was dark, vulgar, incendiary, and extreme, more so than that of any political candidate in U.S history.{{cite news |last1=Homans |first1=Charles |date=April 27, 2024 |title=Donald Trump Has Never Sounded Like This |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/27/magazine/trump-rallies-rhetoric.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719002646/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/27/magazine/trump-rallies-rhetoric.html |archive-date=July 19, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024 |work=New York}}{{Cite web |last1=Kivowitz |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Kung |first2=Ethan |date=August 21, 2024 |title=UCLA study tracks former President Donald Trump's weaponization of words |url=https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-study-tracks-former-president-donald-trumps-weaponization-of-words |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250415153636/https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-study-tracks-former-president-donald-trumps-weaponization-of-words |archive-date=April 15, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |website=University of California, Los Angeles}} His rhetoric was noted to degenerate as the campaign progressed.{{Cite news |last1=Savin |first1=Nikita |last2=Treisman |first2=Daniel |date=October 26, 2024 |title=We analyzed 9 years of Trump political speeches, and his violent rhetoric has increased dramatically |url=https://theconversation.com/we-analyzed-9-years-of-trump-political-speeches-and-his-violent-rhetoric-has-increased-dramatically-238962 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321194537/https://theconversation.com/we-analyzed-9-years-of-trump-political-speeches-and-his-violent-rhetoric-has-increased-dramatically-238962 |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=The Conversation}}{{Cite news |last1=Colvin |first1=Jill |last2=Barrow |first2=Bill |date=2023-12-08 |title=Trump's vow to only be a dictator on 'day one' follows growing worry over his authoritarian rhetoric |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-hannity-dictator-authoritarian-presidential-election-f27e7e9d7c13fabbe3ae7dd7f1235c72 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208055611/https://apnews.com/article/trump-hannity-dictator-authoritarian-presidential-election-f27e7e9d7c13fabbe3ae7dd7f1235c72 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date=2023-12-19 |work=Associated Press |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Gold |first=Michael |date=November 6, 2024 |title=At a Pennsylvania Rally, Trump Descends to New Levels of Vulgarity |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/19/us/politics/trump-vulgarity-pennsylvania-rally.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428162136/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/19/us/politics/trump-vulgarity-pennsylvania-rally.html |archive-date=April 28, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} For instance, in a November 2023 rally, Trump said, "[W]e pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical-left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country". Eleven months later, he stated, "I think the bigger problem is the enemy from within. … We have some very bad people. We have some sick people, radical left lunatics. And I think they’re the big—and it should be very easily handled by, if necessary, by the National Guard, or if really necessary, by the military".{{Cite news |last=Groves |first=Stephen |date=October 13, 2024 |title=Trump suggests he'll use the military on 'the enemy from within' the U.S. if he's reelected |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-suggests-hell-use-the-military-on-the-enemy-from-within-the-u-s-if-hes-reelected |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425072226/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-suggests-hell-use-the-military-on-the-enemy-from-within-the-u-s-if-hes-reelected |archive-date=April 25, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=PBS News Hour}} Two days before the election, he told rallygoers, "[T]o get me somebody would have to shoot through the fake news [reporters]. And I don't mind that so much". In deploying such vitriolic language, Trump aimed to energize his base as well as undecided voters, in order to maximize turnout.

Trump's way of speaking throughout the campaign, especially in its final months, was described as aggressive and erratic. In fact, many commentators remarked that he "rambled" more than he spoke.{{Cite news |last=McGreal |first=Chris |date=August 26, 2024 |title=Are Trump's campaign rallies energizing his base – or sowing doubt? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/26/trumps-campaign-rallies-harmful-or-helpful |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250314054907/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/26/trumps-campaign-rallies-harmful-or-helpful |archive-date=March 14, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Stephen |date=October 29, 2024 |title=What are Trump's final rally speeches like? Lower energy, less focused and running late |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/28/nx-s1-5164570/trump-rally-speech-2024-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250423231942/https://www.npr.org/2024/10/28/nx-s1-5164570/trump-rally-speech-2024-election |archive-date=April 23, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=NPR}}{{Cite news |last1=Arnsdorf |first1=Isaac |last2=Dawsey |first2=Josh |date=October 25, 2024 |title=How Trump talks: Abrupt shifts, profane insults, confusing sentences |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/10/25/trump-words-speeches-campaign-president/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241027061744/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/10/25/trump-words-speeches-campaign-president/ |archive-date=October 27, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} According to a New York Times computer analysis, since the initiation of Trump's political career in 2015, his speeches had grown "darker, harsher, longer, angrier, less focused, more profane and increasingly fixated on the past". The former President would talk about one subject and then abruptly go off on a tangent, often droning on about a different matter, and eventually return to the main subject.{{Cite magazine |last=Olmsted |first=Edith |date=October 16, 2024 |title=Trump Derails His Own Rally With Bizarre Old-Man Tangents |url=https://newrepublic.com/post/187206/donald-trump-derails-rally-bizarre-tangents |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428184528/https://newrepublic.com/post/187206/donald-trump-derails-rally-bizarre-tangents |archive-date=April 28, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |magazine=The New Republic}} For instance, in his Madison Square Garden rally, he went on,

{{Block quote|text=I was in Ohio to try and get him [Senate candidate Bernie Moreno] over the initial primary hump. And it was 45-mile-an-hour winds, and these suckers were blowing like—you ever try reading a teleprompter where it's moving about two feet in each—but I didn't have to worry about that because, even worse, they ended up blowing off the stage, a lot of it. So I'm now in the first sentence, and I got 28,000 people and millions of people watching on television. I got no teleprompter. And did I do a good job, Mr. Speaker? And he won. And he won, huh? Thank you, Matt. And he won. And so you're up there all alone. We don't go 32, 32, 32.{{Efn|Here, Trump is referring to Kamala Harris repeatedly announcing that she had only 32 days until the election during a rally speech.}} Oh, my god, whatever. Kamala Harris is a train wreck who has destroyed everything in her path.{{cite web |title=Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Campaign Rally in New York City - October 27, 2024 |url=https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-new-york-madison-square-garden-october-27-2024/ |website=Roll Call |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250501222321/https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-new-york-madison-square-garden-october-27-2024/ |archive-date=May 1, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025}}}}

In an October 2024 rally, Trump addressed this concern, "For weeks and weeks, I’m up here ranting and raving. Last night, 100,000 people, flawless. Ranting and raving. I’m ranting and raving. Not a mistake. And then I’ll be at a little thing, and I’ll say something, a little bit like ‘the,’ I’ll say, ‘dah,’ they’ll say, 'He’s cognitively impaired'". Trump often mumbled words; he once confused "double entendre" for "double standard," referred to Assyrians as "Azurasians", and, in 2022, mixed up JD Vance with Josh Mandel and thus produced, "JD Mandel".{{Cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Rebecca Davis |date=July 15, 2024 |title=J.D. Vance Was Not Always His Name. But It's the One That Felt Closest to Home. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/15/us/politics/jd-vance-name.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428145919/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/15/us/politics/jd-vance-name.html |archive-date=April 28, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} His speech teemed with hyperbole and superlatives.{{cite news |last1=Dawsey |first1=Josh |last2=Arnsdorf |first2=Isaac |date=June 22, 2024 |title=Trump cranks up false, inflammatory messages to rake in campaign cash |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/06/22/trump-fundraising-false-aggressive/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623025349/https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/06/22/trump-fundraising-false-aggressive/ |archive-date=June 23, 2024 |access-date=June 22, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286}} Peter Barker of The New York Times wrote, "Nuance, subtlety, precision and ambiguity play no role in the version that Mr. Trump promotes with relentless repetition",{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=November 3, 2024 |title=Trump's Wild Claims, Conspiracies and Falsehoods Redefine Presidential Bounds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/03/us/politics/trump-falsehoods-claims-election.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427180536/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/03/us/politics/trump-falsehoods-claims-election.html |archive-date=April 27, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} as Trump attacked Biden for being "the worst president in U.S. history",{{Cite news |last=Agencies |date=July 22, 2024 |title=Trump calls Biden 'worst president' in US history, says Harris will be easier to beat |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-calls-biden-worst-president-in-us-history-says-harris-will-be-easier-to-beat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203062911/https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-calls-biden-worst-president-in-us-history-says-harris-will-be-easier-to-beat/ |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=The Times of Israel}} and spoke of himself as "the greatest president" in U.S history.{{Cite web |last= |date= |title=Remarks: Donald Trump Attends a Campaign Roundtable in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania - October 29, 2024 |url=https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-remarks-campaign-roundtable-drexel-hill-pennsylvania-october-29-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250503170109/https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-remarks-campaign-roundtable-drexel-hill-pennsylvania-october-29-2024/ |archive-date=May 3, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |website=Roll Call}} While the country was "in serious decline" under Democrats,{{Cite news |last=Lehmann |first=Chris |date=July 11, 2023 |title=Donald Trump Goes Apocalyptic |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trump-apocalypse/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203162551/https:/www.thenation.com/article/society/trump-apocalypse/ |archive-date=February 3, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=The Nation}} if elected, he would usher in a "golden age",{{Cite news |last=Duggan |first=Keith |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Donald Trump pledges 'new golden age' for America as son of New York takes over the Garden |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2024/10/28/donald-trump-pledges-new-golden-age-for-america-as-son-of-new-york-takes-over-the-garden/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250419082209/https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2024/10/28/donald-trump-pledges-new-golden-age-for-america-as-son-of-new-york-takes-over-the-garden/ |archive-date=April 19, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |newspaper=The Irish Times}} and November 5 would be remembered as "liberation day".{{cite web |title=Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Campaign Rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan - November 4, 2024 |url=https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-grand-rapids-michigan-november-4-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424121013/https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-grand-rapids-michigan-november-4-2024/ |archive-date=April 24, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |website=Roll Call}} Vulgarities were also a hallmark of the former President's rhetoric. In one of his final rallies, for example, he rambled about the size of Arnold Palmer's genitals. Overall, Trump's language took on a more negative and violent tone, with a Conversation analysis finding that 1.6% of the total words uttered in his 2024 campaign denoted violence, compared to 0.6% in 2016, and the aforementioned New York Times survey finding a 50% increase in negative words.{{Cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Peter |last2=Freedman |first2=Dylan |date=October 6, 2024 |title=Trump's Speeches, Increasingly Angry and Rambling, Reignite the Question of Age |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/06/us/politics/trump-speeches-age-cognitive-decline.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008051103/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/06/us/politics/trump-speeches-age-cognitive-decline.html |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}

File:Donald Trump Truth Social Post on June 12, 2023—Now that the seal is broken.jpg dated June 2023, in which he condemns the U.S. Justice Department for supposedly targeting him, and vows to go after political opponents]]Trump's campaign deployed dehumanizing, violent attacks against his political opponents.{{cite news |last1=Haberman |first1=Maggie |last2=Nehamas |first2=Nicholas |last3=McFadden |first3=Alyce |date=October 3, 2023 |title=Trump Said Shoplifters Should Be Shot, Part of a String of Violent Remarks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/03/us/politics/trump-indictments-shoplifters-violence.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 9, 2023 |work=The New York Times}} {{subscription required}}{{Cite news |last=Gabriel |first=Trip |date=2023-10-06 |title=Trump Escalates Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric With 'Poisoning the Blood' Comment |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/05/us/politics/trump-immigration-rhetoric.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117102659/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/05/us/politics/trump-immigration-rhetoric.html |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |access-date=2023-12-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} {{subscription required}}{{Cite news |last=LeVine |first=Marianne |date=November 12, 2023 |title=Trump calls political enemies 'vermin,' echoing dictators Hitler, Mussolini |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/11/12/trump-rally-vermin-political-opponents |access-date=November 12, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} His election rival, Harris, was a prime target. In a July 2024 interview, he said that she had claimed Indian heritage "until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black".{{Cite news |last1=Bradner |first1=Eric |last2=Pellish |first2=Aaron |date=2024-07-31 |title=Donald Trump falsely suggests Kamala Harris 'happened to turn Black' {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/31/politics/donald-trump-kamala-harris-black-nabj/index.html |access-date=2024-08-08 |work=CNN}} When, in a Greensboro, North Carolina, rally, an audience member shouted, "She worked on the corner!", Trump laughed and retorted, "This place is amazing".{{Cite news |last=Patrick |first=Holly |date=November 4, 2024 |title=Donald Trump welcomes supporter's shout that Kamala Harris 'worked on a corner' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/trump-north-carolina-rally-harris-work-corner-b2640752.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312071105/https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/trump-north-carolina-rally-harris-work-corner-b2640752.html |archive-date=March 12, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=The Independent}} Oftentimes, Trump intentionally mispronounced her name as "Ka-MA-la",{{Cite news |last=McWhorter |first=John |date=August 1, 2024 |title=What Trump Means When He Mispronounces 'Kamala' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/01/opinion/trump-kamala-harris-pronounce.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417073956/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/01/opinion/trump-kamala-harris-pronounce.html |archive-date=April 17, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} or "Kamabla",{{Cite news |date=2024-08-07 |title=Trump picks a nickname for Harris that no one seems to understand |url=https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/donald-trump-nickname-kamala-harris-kamabla-no-one-understands-rcna165602 |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=MSNBC |language=en}} and called her "low IQ", "mentally disabled", and "a shit vice president". Then-President Joe Biden was also targeted: he was framed as "an enemy of the state".{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Peter |date=September 11, 2022 |title=Trump's increasing tirade against FBI and DoJ endangering lives of officials |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/11/trump-mar-a-lago-witch-hunt-fbi-doj-safety |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The Guardian}} Other political opponents got similar treatments. In September 2023, Trump said that Mark Milley, his appointed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who had come to criticize him, deserved "DEATH!" for his phone calls with a Chinese general. He urged deploying the military to fight "the enemy from within": the "enemy" being "radical left lunatics" and certain Democratic politicians.{{Cite news |last=Vazquez |first=Maegan |date=October 13, 2024 |title=Trump urges using military to handle 'radical left lunatics' on Election Day |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/10/13/trump-military-enemies-within/ |access-date=October 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite news |last1=Lerer |first1=Lisa |last2=Gold |first2=Michael |date=2024-10-15 |title=Trump Escalates Threats to Political Opponents He Deems the 'Enemy' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/15/us/politics/trump-opponents-enemy-within.html |work=The New York Times}} Another enemy, according to him, was the media. He called Facebook "an enemy of the people",{{cite news |last=Rosen |first=Jacob |date=March 11, 2024 |title=Trump, in reversal, opposes TikTok ban, calls Facebook "enemy of the people" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-reversal-tiktok-ban-says-facebook-enemy-of-people/ |access-date=July 31, 2024 |work=CBS News}} and complained that the media was "so damn bad".{{cite web |title=Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Campaign Rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania - November 3, 2024 |url=https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-lititz-pennsylvania-november-3-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116200311/https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-lititz-pennsylvania-november-3-2024/ |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |website=Roll Call}} Moreover, Trump attacked the witnesses, judges, juries, and families of individuals involved in his criminal trials.{{cite news |last1=Schayna |first1=Jacobs |date=March 29, 2024 |title=After Trump attacks hush money judge's daughter, DA seeks broader gag order |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/29/trump-gag-order-judge-daughter-merchan/ |access-date=March 30, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286}}{{cite news |last1=Blake |first1=Aaron |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Trump's latest attack on witnesses is one of his most brazen |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/10/25/trumps-latest-attack-witnesses-is-one-his-most-brazen/ |access-date=March 30, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286}}{{cite news |last=Jalonick |first=Mary Clare |date=May 30, 2024 |title=Republican lawmakers react with fury to Trump verdict and rally to his defense |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-verdict-republicans-guilty-reaction-congress-election-c8193404866565c55b093086890cbef8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601040258/https://apnews.com/article/trump-verdict-republicans-guilty-reaction-congress-election-c8193404866565c55b093086890cbef8 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The Associated Press}} In the aftermath of his prosecution in New York, he called Judge Juan Merchan, "a devil",{{Cite news |last=Qiu |first=Linda |date=May 31, 2024 |title=Trump rails against hush money judge in post-conviction remarks: 'He's really a devil' |url=https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4696253-trump-conviction-hush-money-judge-devil/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531212159/https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4696253-trump-conviction-hush-money-judge-devil/ |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The Hill}} and urged his supporters to "go after" Letitia James, the attorney who filed the suit.

{{see also|Comparisons between Donald Trump and fascism}}{{Quote box

| quote = I’m not going to call this as a prediction, but in my opinion, the Jewish people would have a lot to do with a loss … If I don’t win this election—and the Jewish people would really have a lot to do with that if that happens because if 40%, I mean, 60% of the people are voting for the enemy …

| source = — Donald Trump in a September 2024 rally, an assertion recalling the stab-in-the-back myth adopted by Adolf Hitler to explain Germany's loss in World War One{{cite news |last=Blumenthal |first=Sidney |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Donald Trump's Hitlerian logic is no mistake |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/oct/07/donald-trumps-hitlerian-logic-is-no-mistake |work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328041808/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/oct/07/donald-trumps-hitlerian-logic-is-no-mistake |archive-date=March 28, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Cameron |first1=Chris |last2=Gold |first2=Michael |date=September 19, 2024 |title=Trump Says That if He Loses, 'the Jewish People Would Have a Lot to Do' With It |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/19/us/politics/trump-jews-antisemitism-israel.html |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401031739/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/19/us/politics/trump-jews-antisemitism-israel.html |url-access=subscription |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025}}

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}}

Trump's campaign statements were connected to an embrace of right-wing extremism.{{Cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Peter |date=December 1, 2022 |title=Trump Embraces Extremism as He Seeks to Reclaim Office |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/01/us/politics/trump-extremism-candidacy.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416102953/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/01/us/politics/trump-extremism-candidacy.html |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |quote=Analysts and strategists see Mr. Trump's pivot toward the far right as a tactic to re-create political momentum ... Mr. Trump has long flirted with the fringes of American society as no other modern president has, openly appealing to prejudice based on race, religion, national origin and sexual orientation, among others ... Mr. Trump's expanding embrace of extremism has left Republicans once again struggling to figure out how to distance themselves from him.}} {{subscription required}}{{Cite news |last=Oreskes |first=Benjamin |date=May 23, 2024 |title=Trump and GOP repeatedly echo Nazi and far-right ideology as they aim to retake White House |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-05-23/trump-gop-nazi-presidential-election-politics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601070300/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-05-23/trump-gop-nazi-presidential-election-politics |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=Los Angeles Times |issn=0458-3035}} He proclaimed that undocumented immigrants were "poisoning the blood of our country" and had "bad genes," which, according to some commentators, strikingly resembled Hitler and white supremacists' racial hygiene rhetoric.{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Kate |date=October 6, 2023 |title=Trump's anti-immigrant comments draw rebuke |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/06/politics/trump-anti-immigrant-comments/index.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |work=CNN}} On Veterans Day 2023, he called some of his political opponents "vermin," which also seemed to echo Hitler and Benito Mussolini's language.{{cite news |last=Gold |first=Michael |date=November 13, 2023 |title=After Calling Foes 'Vermin,' Trump Campaign Warns Its Critics Will Be 'Crushed' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/13/us/politics/trump-vermin-rhetoric-fascists.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |work=The New York Times}} {{subscription required}}{{Cite news |last=Dorn |first=Sara |date=November 12, 2023 |title=Trump Compares Political Foes To 'Vermin' On Veterans Day—Echoing Nazi Propaganda |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2023/11/12/trump-compares-political-foes-to-vermin-on-veterans-day-echoing-nazi-propaganda/ |access-date=November 12, 2023 |work=Forbes}} The former President repeatedly referred to Nazi Germany throughout the campaign, for instance, claiming that Biden was running a "Gestapo administration",{{Cite news |last1=Barrow |first1=Bill |last2=Mascaro |first2=Lisa |date=May 5, 2024 |title=Trump says Biden is running a 'Gestapo' administration. It's his latest reference to Nazi Germany |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-gestapo-biden-nazi-germany-campaign-rhetoric-531691ce92cafc18c810c75740802883 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531015123/https://apnews.com/article/trump-gestapo-biden-nazi-germany-campaign-rhetoric-531691ce92cafc18c810c75740802883 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=Associated Press}} and that his indictments resembled prosecutions in Hitler's regime.{{Cite news |last=Tress |first=Luke |date=August 2, 2023 |title=US Jewish groups blast Trump campaign for comparing indictment to Nazi persecution |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/adl-blasts-trump-campaign-for-comparing-indictment-to-nazi-persecution/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007041041/https://www.timesofisrael.com/web/20241007041041/https://www.timesofisrael.com/adl-blasts-trump-campaign-for-comparing-indictment-to-nazi-persecution/ |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The Times of Israel}} These statements were condemned by the Anti-Defamation League.{{Cite news |last=Colvin |first=Jill |date=March 19, 2024 |title=Trump says Jews who vote for Democrats 'hate Israel' and their religion |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-schumer-israel-jewish-democrats-35bd1522edd64caf1dedbb10fddf0fcf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321182009/https://apnews.com/article/trump-schumer-israel-jewish-democrats-35bd1522edd64caf1dedbb10fddf0fcf |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last1=Fortinsky |first1=Sarah |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Trump team's comparison of indictment, Nazi Germany is 'shameful': Anti-Defamation League |url=https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4132385-trump-teams-comparison-of-indictment-nazi-germany-is-shameful-anti-defamation-league/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413025957/https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4132385-trump-teams-comparison-of-indictment-nazi-germany-is-shameful-anti-defamation-league/ |archive-date=April 13, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=The Hill}} In May 2024, Trump's campaign posted an advertisement which showed hypothetical newspaper headlines in the event of a Trump victory. Under one headline titled "What's next for America?" was a subtitle that read, "German industrial strength significantly increased after 1871, driven by the creation of a unified Reich".{{cite news |last1=Cameron |first1=Chris |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Trump Posts, Then Takes Down, Video Online With Headlines About a 'Unified Reich' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/20/us/donald-trump-reich-video.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526023136/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/20/us/donald-trump-reich-video.html |archive-date=May 26, 2024 |access-date=May 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times}} Facing bipartisan criticism, the campaign deleted the video the next day.{{cite news |last1=Price |first1=Michelle |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Trump's social media account shares a campaign video with a headline about a 'unified Reich' |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-election-2024-rhetoric-germany-antisemitism-31002afb91b642c0314223d19e51f427 |access-date=May 26, 2024 |work=Associated Press}}{{cite news |last1=Bump |first1=Philip |date=May 21, 2024 |title=Trump's 'reich' video, Biden's pandemic and political smoke detectors |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/05/21/trumps-reich-video-bidens-pandemic-political-smoke-detectors/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240523014802/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/05/21/trumps-reich-video-bidens-pandemic-political-smoke-detectors/ |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

Some of Trump's statements were perceived as an open embrace of authoritarianism. In a December 2023 interview with Sean Hannity, the former President said he would only be a dictator on "day one" of his presidency and not after.{{cite news |author1=Adam Wren |date=December 6, 2023 |title=Trump's 'dictator' remark jolts the 2024 campaign – and tests his GOP rivals on debate day |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/06/trump-dictator-remark-2024-campaign-00130392 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206192854/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/06/trump-dictator-remark-2024-campaign-00130392 |archive-date=December 6, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |work=Politico}}{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=2023-12-09 |title=Talk of a Trump Dictatorship Charges the American Political Debate |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/09/us/politics/trump-dictatorship.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209203046/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/09/us/politics/trump-dictatorship.html |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |access-date=2023-12-10 |work=The New York Times |language= |issn=}} {{cite news |last1=LeVine |first1=Marianne |last2=Arnsdorf |first2=Isaac |date=December 13, 2023 |title=Trump backers laugh off, cheer 'dictator' comments, as scholars voice alarm |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2023/12/13/trump-dictator-comments-supporters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215131632/https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2023/12/13/trump-dictator-comments-supporters/ |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=December 16, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} His campaign aides later stated that he was merely attempting to "trigger the left" and media establishment.{{cite news |author1=Jill Colvin |author2=Bill Barrow |date=December 7, 2023 |title=Trump's vow to only be a dictator on 'day one' follows growing worry over his authoritarian rhetoric |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-hannity-dictator-authoritarian-presidential-election-f27e7e9d7c13fabbe3ae7dd7f1235c72 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208055611/https://apnews.com/article/trump-hannity-dictator-authoritarian-presidential-election-f27e7e9d7c13fabbe3ae7dd7f1235c72 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date=December 8, 2023 |work=Associated Press}} Trump also stated that, in order to reverse his loss in the 2020 election, the U.S. Constitution had to be terminated.{{Cite web |last=Ibrahim |first=Nur |date=December 5, 2022 |title=Did Trump Say Election Fraud Allows for 'Termination' of US Constitution? |url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-termination-us-constitution/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250331163622/https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-termination-us-constitution/ |archive-date=March 31, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |website=Snopes}} Several Republicans, including Ted Cruz,{{Cite news |last=Choi |first=Matthew |date=October 6, 2022 |title=Cruz: "Of course" Trump was wrong to call for terminating Constitution |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2022/12/06/ted-cruz-john-cornyn-trump-constitution/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250423023329/https://www.texastribune.org/2022/12/06/ted-cruz-john-cornyn-trump-constitution/ |archive-date=April 23, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=The Texas Tribune}} denounced this remark.{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Matt |date=December 4, 2022 |title=Trump's call for 'termination' of constitution condemned |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-63851751 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407115708/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-63851751 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=BBC News}} Speaking at a July 2024 faith-themed Turning Point Action conference, the former President urged Christians to "get out and vote. In four years, you don't have to vote again. We'll have it fixed so good, you're not going to have to vote".{{cite news |last1=Waddick |first1=Karissa |date=July 27, 2024 |title=Trump urges Christians to vote, says they won't have to again if he wins 2024 election |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/27/trump-christians-wont-have-to-vote-again/74570307007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727162928/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/27/trump-christians-wont-have-to-vote-again/74570307007/ |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |work=USA Today}}{{cite news |last1=Vargas |first1=Ramon Antonio |date=July 27, 2024 |title=Trump tells supporters they won't have to vote in the future: 'It'll be fixed!' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/27/trump-speech-no-need-to-vote-future |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727154123/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/27/trump-speech-no-need-to-vote-future |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |work=The Guardian}} Trump publicly praised several dictators during his campaign.{{cite news |last=Sciutto |first=Jim |date=March 12, 2024 |title=Former advisers sound the alarm that Trump praises despots in private and on the campaign trail |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/11/politics/trump-despots-advisers-sound-alarm/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507000021/https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/11/politics/trump-despots-advisers-sound-alarm/index.html |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=March 17, 2024 |work=CNN}} In a December 2023 rally, he quoted Vladimir Putin criticizing U.S. democracy.{{cite news |last=Arnsdorf |first=Isaac |date=December 16, 2023 |title=Trump quotes Putin condemning American democracy, praises autocrat Orban |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2023/12/16/trump-authoritarians-putin-orban-poisoning-blood/ |access-date=December 16, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} The following year, he flattered Kim Jong Un: "Very strong guy … I got along great with him",{{Cite news |last=Benen |first=Steve |date=May 28, 2024 |title=Trump touts Kim Jong Un as North Korea's 'absolute leader' |url=https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-touts-kim-jong-un-north-koreas-absolute-leader-rcna154294 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319043958/https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-touts-kim-jong-un-north-koreas-absolute-leader-rcna154294 |archive-date=March 19, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=MSNBC}} Xi Jinping: "[He's] a brilliant man. He controls 1.4 billion people with an iron fist",{{Cite news |last=News Wires |date=July 21, 2024 |title='I took a bullet for democracy,' Trump says in first rally since assassination attempt |url=https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20240721-trump-urges-supporters-to-fight-fight-fight-in-first-rally-since-assassination-attempt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808194138/https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20240721-trump-urges-supporters-to-fight-fight-fight-in-first-rally-since-assassination-attempt |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=France 24}} and Viktor Orbán: "There’s nobody that’s better, smarter or a better leader than Viktor Orbán. He’s fantastic".{{Cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Kristen |last2=Millman |first2=Andrew |date=March 9, 2024 |title=Trump praises 'fantastic' Viktor Orbán while hosting Hungarian autocrat at Mar-a-Lago for meeting and concert |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/08/politics/trump-orban-mar-a-lago/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401082107/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/08/politics/trump-orban-mar-a-lago/index.html |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=CNN}}

Scholars and commentators contended that Trump's rhetoric stemmed from populism. A common theme in his rallies was the struggle between "us"—the majority, or his supporters—and "them"—the elites, or his political enemies. In contrast with previous runs, Trump stressed the "them," not the "us," who he claimed had targeted him; "When they start playing with your elections and trying to arrest their political opponent — I can do that, too!", he once said. This led the University of California, Los Angeles to deem Trump's 2024 brand of populism "negative populism". A study of theirs found that it was less focused on policy, such as economic performance, and more on violent attacks on opponents.{{Cite news |last=Rector |first=Kevin |date=August 16, 2024 |title=News Analysis: Trump seeks to reclaim spotlight with old playbook of lying, talking smack to media |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-08-16/2024-election-trump-news-conference-analysis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823194457/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-08-16/2024-election-trump-news-conference-analysis |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=Los Angeles Times}} Frequent targets of his attacks were illegal immigrants, transgender people, and the elites, made in an attempt to create an outgroup to stir up fear and moral panic among his supporters.{{Cite web |last=Thulin |first=Lila |date=January 21, 2025 |title=There's a term for Trump's political style: authoritarian populism |url=https://news.berkeley.edu/2025/01/21/theres-a-term-for-trumps-political-style-authoritarian-populism/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414004930/https://news.berkeley.edu/2025/01/21/theres-a-term-for-trumps-political-style-authoritarian-populism/ |archive-date=April 14, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |website=UC Berkeley News}} The University of California, Berkeley ties this strategy to "authoritarian populism". It elaborates, "[The] sense of fear and antagonism [promoted] leads people to accept authoritarian measures to protect themselves and their in-group". Another effect of Trump's framing of certain people as an outgroup was airing the public's grievances, especially on the surge in illegal immigration and the political establishment. This turned him into the "ultimate" symbol of victimhood.

In fact, a central motif of Trump's campaign was martyrdom. He portrayed himself as a victim of the "deep state" actively attempting to undermine him and the country.{{Cite news |last=Feuer |first=Alan |date=June 5, 2024 |title=It Was Legal Boilerplate. Trump Made It Sound Like a Threat to His Life. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/05/us/politics/trump-fbi-documents-threats.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609234054/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/05/us/politics/trump-fbi-documents-threats.html |archive-date=June 9, 2024 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} {{subscription required}} His criminal trials made him, in his words, a "political prisoner," similar to Alexei Navalny.{{Cite news |last=Dixon |first=Matt |date=May 31, 2024 |title='These are bad people': Trump unloads after his historic guilty verdict |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-unloads-historic-guilty-verdict-press-conference-rcna154867 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609220025/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-unloads-historic-guilty-verdict-press-conference-rcna154867 |archive-date=June 9, 2024 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |work=NBC News}} Alongside martyrdom, a common motif was retribution. I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution," he said in March 2023.{{Cite news |last1=Lerer |first1=Lisa |last2=Gold |first2=Michael |date=November 8, 2024 |title=Trump Escalates Threats to Political Opponents He Deems the 'Enemy' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/15/us/politics/trump-opponents-enemy-within.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425175437/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/15/us/politics/trump-opponents-enemy-within.html |archive-date=April 25, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} He framed the election as "the final battle",{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=David |date=March 25, 2023 |title=Trump describes 2024 election as 'the final battle' from podium in Waco |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/26/trump-waco-texas-2024-election-final-battle-january-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429222259/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/26/trump-waco-texas-2024-election-final-battle-january-6 |archive-date=April 29, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} and his presidential campaign as a "righteous crusade" against "atheists, globalists and the Marxists". Trump referred to the January 6 Capitol attack to back his retribution narrative. During rallies, imprisoned participants of the attack were brought up as patriotic "warriors" and "hostages," symbols of political injustice. Their cover of the U.S. national anthem, titled "Justice for All", would often feature.{{Cite news |last=Fortinsky |first=Sarah |date=June 9, 2024 |title=Trump calls J6 defendants 'warriors' |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4713140-trump-calls-j6-defendants-warriors/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610025451/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4713140-trump-calls-j6-defendants-warriors/ |archive-date=June 10, 2024 |access-date=June 9, 2024 |work=The Hill}}{{Cite news |last=Basu |first=Zachary |date=March 13, 2024 |title=Trump "floods the zone" as general election tests desensitized voters |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/03/13/trump-election-rhetoric-numb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430042039/https://www.axios.com/2024/03/13/trump-election-rhetoric-numb |archive-date=April 30, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=Axios}} Furthermore, Trump's populism blended with nationalism, as his calls for retribution against illegal immigrants and globalist elites were enmeshed with calls to defend the American identity.{{Cite web |last=Gultasli |first=Selcuk |date=October 30, 2024 |title=Dr. Wojczewski: Trump Externalizes US Problems, Presenting Them as Originating from Abroad |url=https://www.populismstudies.org/dr-wojczewski-trump-externalizes-us-problems-presenting-them-as-originating-from-abroad/ |access-date=May 1, 2025 |website=European Center for Populism Studies}}

A core feature of the former President's populist rhetoric was his defiance of norms of political speech. This was captured through vulgar insults against opponents and violent diction.{{cite news |last=Gold |first=Michael |date=August 28, 2024 |title=Trump Reposts Crude Sexual Remark About Harris on Truth Social |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/28/us/politics/trump-truth-social-posts.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828230508/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/28/us/politics/trump-truth-social-posts.html |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |access-date=August 28, 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |quote=Though he has a history of making crass insults about his opponents, the reposts signal Mr. Trump's willingness to continue to shatter longstanding norms of political speech.}} {{subscription required}}{{cite news |last1=VandeHei |first1=Jim |author-link=Jim VandeHei |last2=Allen |first2=Mike |date=August 16, 2024 |title=Behind the Curtain: Trump's "caught on tape" women problem |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/08/16/trump-vance-women-problem-voters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828202432/https://www.axios.com/2024/08/16/trump-vance-women-problem-voters |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |access-date=August 28, 2024 |newspaper=Axios}} According to Lilie Chouliaraki and Kathryn Claire Higgins of the London School of Economics and Political Sciences, Trump spoke with "an irreverent, improvised and unencumbered brashness that suggests that he is saying out loud what everyone else is too afraid to say". Robert C. Rowland, author of The Rhetoric of Donald Trump, opined that his breaking of rhetorical norms "can be seen as proof of authenticity, but if taken too far it can lead to ridicule, dealing a devastating blow to someone who has styled himself as the strongman protector of ordinary people".{{Cite web |last=Rowland |first=Robert C. |date=September 17, 2024 |title=Donald Trump and Rhetorical Norms in Debates |url=https://kansaspress.ku.edu/blog/2024/09/17/donald-trump-and-rhetorical-norms-in-debates/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214210531/https://kansaspress.ku.edu/blog/2024/09/17/donald-trump-and-rhetorical-norms-in-debates/ |archive-date=February 14, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |website=University Press of Kansas}} The aforementioned populist overtones bore parallels to authoritarian leaders. The former President's rhetoric was unprecedentedly vitriolic and extreme to the point that some scholars and journalists labelled it as fascist,{{cite news |last=Lehmann |first=Chris |date=November 14, 2023 |title=The "Is Donald Trump a Fascist?" Debate Has Been Ended—by Donald Trump |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/donald-trump-fascist-vermin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926135406/https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/donald-trump-fascist-vermin/ |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=December 8, 2023 |work=The Nation}}{{cite magazine |last=Cassidy |first=John |date=November 14, 2023 |title=Trump's Fascistic Rhetoric Only Emphasizes the Stakes in 2024 |url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/trumps-fascistic-rhetoric-only-emphasizes-the-stakes-in-2024 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009121304/https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/trumps-fascistic-rhetoric-only-emphasizes-the-stakes-in-2024 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=December 8, 2023 |magazine=The New Yorker}}{{cite news |last=Browning |first=Christopher R. |date=July 25, 2023 |title=A New Kind of Fascism |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/07/trump-second-term-isolationist-fascism/674791/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926135407/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/07/trump-second-term-isolationist-fascism/674791/ |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=December 8, 2023 |work=The Atlantic}}{{Cite news |last1=Bender |first1=Michael Charles |author-link1=Michael C. Bender |last2=Gold |first2=Michael |date=2023-11-20 |title=Trump's Dire Words Raise New Fears About His Authoritarian Bent |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/us/politics/trump-rhetoric-fascism.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240121062857/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/us/politics/trump-rhetoric-fascism.html |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |access-date=2023-12-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} {{subscription required}} comparable to that of Juan Perón, Fidel Castro, and Adolf Hitler.{{Cite news |last=Ward |first=Myah |date=October 12, 2024 |title=We watched 20 Trump rallies. His racist, anti-immigrant messaging is getting darker. |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/12/trump-racist-rhetoric-immigrants-00183537 |access-date=October 12, 2024 |work=Politico}}{{Cite news |last=Svitek |first=Patrick |date=2024-10-07 |title=Trump suggests 'bad genes' to blame for undocumented immigrants who commit murders |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/10/07/trump-undocumented-immigrants-bad-genes/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite news |last=McGraw |first=Meridith |date=May 21, 2024 |title=Trump campaign deletes 'unified Reich' post after widespread backlash |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/21/trump-unified-reich-truth-social-00159233 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523023630/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/21/trump-unified-reich-truth-social-00159233 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=Politico}}

Christian nationalism also defined Trump's rhetoric. In his rallies, he alleged that Christianity was being besieged and Christians were facing persecution by Democrats, and that he would guard it and reclaim its rightful role in U.S. society.{{harvnb|Singam|2024|p=32}} The former President and his allies appealed to Christians' grievances by calling out "woke indoctrination" in schools, trans rights initiatives, and even the crisis at the Southern border. To this extent, their partisan conservative messaging and Christian messaging were indistinguishable.{{Cite news |last=Herman |first=Alice |date=October 21, 2024 |title=Trump courts Christian vote and says 'God saved me for a purpose' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/21/trump-christians-vote-us-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308170903/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/21/trump-christians-vote-us-election |archive-date=March 8, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} Conservative pastor Guillermo Maldonado said of the election, "You know, we’re now in spiritual warfare … It’s beyond warfare between the left and the right. It’s between good and evil. There’s a big fight right now that is affecting our country and we need to take back our country". Oftentimes, Trump cast himself as a messiah. Following his assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, he claimed that "God saved me for a purpose, and that’s to make our country greater than ever before". Conversely, the campaign demonized his opponents. Democrats were labelled as "evil" and "demonic",{{Cite news |last1=Gold |first1=Michael |last2=Haberman |first2=Maggie |last3=Goldmacher |first3=Shane |date=November 3, 2024 |title=Trump, Sluggish and Aggrieved, Says He 'Shouldn't Have Left' the White House |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/03/us/politics/trump-pa-rally-election.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241103212701/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/03/us/politics/trump-pa-rally-election.html |archive-date=November 3, 2024 |access-date=November 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} and Harris as "the Antichrist". To this end, Trump catered to the Christian and evangelical vote.

File:20240524 Trump groundwork for election denial.svg throughout the campaign compared with his two previous runs]]

Throughout the campaign, Trump launched lie after lie, to the extent that journalists found it "especially difficult" to keep up with them.{{Cite news |last=Kessler |first=Glenn |date=March 14, 2024 |title=Trump has a bunch of new false claims. Here's a guide. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/14/trump-crazy-new-claims-fact-checked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315001325/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/14/trump-crazy-new-claims-fact-checked/ |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |access-date=August 24, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite news |last=Dale |first=Daniel |date=2024-11-01 |title=Analysis: Donald Trump's campaign of relentless lying {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/01/politics/analysis-donald-trumps-campaign-of-relentless-lying/index.html |access-date=2024-11-02 |work=CNN}}{{Cite news |last1=Itkowitz |first1=Colby |last2=Allam |first2=Hannah |date=August 19, 2024 |title=With false 'coup' claims, Trump primes supporters to challenge a Harris win |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/19/trump-stolen-election-coup-overthrow/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824204443/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/19/trump-stolen-election-coup-overthrow/ |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |access-date=August 24, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286}} He created an alternate reality: an America in which 15 million illegal immigrants, not 5 million, had entered the country under Biden, and in which inflation had gone up to 50%, not 9%. During a 64-minute news conference of his held in August 2024, NPR counted over 162 lies, misstatements, and vast exaggerations, an average of more than two per minute.{{Cite news |last=Calmes |first=Jackie |date=October 3, 2024 |title=Donald Trump turns on a firehose of lies as the election nears. It matters |url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-10-03/election-donald-trump-kamala-harris |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313003435/https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-10-03/election-donald-trump-kamala-harris |archive-date=March 13, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=The Los Angeles Times}} Many of Trump's lies verged on the bizarre. He claimed that he was "the father of IVF",{{Cite news |last=Slattery |first=Gram |date=October 16, 2024 |title=Donald Trump calls himself 'father of IVF' at all-women town hall |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/donald-trump-calls-himself-father-ivf-all-women-town-hall-2024-10-16/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250501152539/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/donald-trump-calls-himself-father-ivf-all-women-town-hall-2024-10-16/ |archive-date=May 1, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=Reuters}} that hydrogen cars randomly explode, and that, in California, it was legal to rob a store provided that one stole under $950 worth of goods. Trump repeatedly embraced conspiracies such as QAnon. There was a strategy behind this persistent lying. By "flooding the zone with shit," Trump's campaign received unrivaled media attention, and better resonated with voters disillusioned by the Biden administration.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=David |date=September 22, 2024 |title=Why Trump and Vance's strategy is 'say anything, make up anything' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/22/trump-vance-create-fake-stories-lies-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304002640/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/22/trump-vance-create-fake-stories-lies-election |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} Vance himself admitted, "If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do". Moreover, repeated lies tethered Trump's base even closer to him,{{harvnb|Arceneaux|Truex|2023|pp=863–864}} fostering loyalty to the leader to the point that he could not be held accountable for his actions.{{harvnb|Moniz|Swann|2025|p=2}} This method also paralleled the firehose of falsehood propaganda tactic.{{Cite news |last=Velshi |first=Ali |date=June 29, 2024 |title='Not a healthy democracy' that calls Trump a winner for 'firehose of falsehoods' |url=https://www.msnbc.com/ali-velshi/watch/-not-a-healthy-democracy-that-calls-trump-a-winner-for-firehose-of-falsehoods-213948485983 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702083226/https://www.msnbc.com/ali-velshi/watch/-not-a-healthy-democracy-that-calls-trump-a-winner-for-firehose-of-falsehoods-213948485983 |archive-date=July 2, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=MSNBC}}

Another method was the big lie,{{harvnb|Moniz|Swann|2025|pp=1–5}}{{harvnb|Arceneaux|Truex|2023|pp=863–865}} defined as disinformation "so grand that it is difficult to believe that someone would have the gall to make [it] up".{{harvnb|Arceneaux|Truex|2023|p=864}} From as early as 2020, he incessantly claimed that that year's election was rigged, so much so that it developed into a big lie. This narrative would be repeated throughout the campaign.{{Cite news |last1=Yourish |first1=Karen |last2=Smart |first2=Charlie |date=May 24, 2024 |title=Trump's Pattern of Sowing Election Doubt Intensifies in 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/24/us/politics/trump-election-results-doubt.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428125221/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/24/us/politics/trump-election-results-doubt.html |archive-date=April 28, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} He, and his allies, spoke of "election integrity" not just to motivate the Republican base, but to cast doubt on the U.S. electoral process, with the ultimate aim of enfeebling democracy. In the lead up to the 2024 election, they made false claims of massive noncitizen voting by illegal immigrants in a Democratic operation to steal the election.Multiple sources:

• {{cite news |date=April 12, 2024 |title=Fact checking Trump and Johnson's election integrity announcement |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/12/politics/fact-check-trump-johnson-elections/index.html |work=CNN}}
• {{cite news |last1=Thompson |first1=Stuart A. |date=July 5, 2022 |title=On Conservative Radio, Misleading Message Is Clear: 'Democrats Cheat' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/05/business/media/conservative-radio-democrats-cheat.html |work=The New York Times}}
• {{cite news |last1=Corasaniti |first1=Nick |date=February 12, 2024 |title=Election Deniers Seek to Rewrite the Law |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/21/us/politics/election-deniers-seek-to-voting-legislation.html |work=The New York Times}}
• {{cite news |last1=Przybyla |first1=Heidi |date=June 1, 2022 |title='It's going to be an army': Tapes reveal GOP plan to contest elections |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/06/01/gop-contest-elections-tapes-00035758 |work=Politico}}
• {{cite news |last1=Lutz |first1=Eric |date=April 19, 2024 |title=No, Trump's Plan to Deploy 100,000 Poll Workers Isn't About "Election Integrity" |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-campaign-poll-workers-election-integrity |work=Vanity Fair}}
• {{cite news |last1=Timm |first1=Jane C. |date=April 19, 2024 |title=Trump campaign, RNC pledge to deploy 100,000 attorneys and volunteers to monitor the vote |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-rnc-vote-monitor-election-integrity-rcna148557 |work=NBC News}}
• House G.O.P. Moves to Crack down on Noncitizen Voting, Sowing False Narrative on The New York Times{{Cite news |last=Basu |first=Zachary |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Trump spreads false "assassination" claims as voters fear violence |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/05/22/trump-assassination-biden-fbi-violence |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523020552/https://www.axios.com/2024/05/22/trump-assassination-biden-fbi-violence |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=Axios |quote=Former President Trump and his allies have already signaled they will not accept the results of the election if they believe it's "unfair", reviving the type of rhetoric that helped incite the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.}} In reality, voter fraud is extremely rare.{{Cite web |last=Morales-Doyle |first=Sean |date=April 12, 2024 |title=Noncitizen Voting Isn't Affecting State or Federal Elections — Here's Why |url=https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/noncitizens-are-not-voting-federal-or-state-elections-heres-why |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427110101/https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/noncitizens-are-not-voting-federal-or-state-elections-heres-why |archive-date=April 27, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |website=Brennan Center for Justice}}{{Cite web |last=Kamarck |first=Elaine |date=October 28, 2024 |title=How widespread is election fraud in the United States? Not very |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-widespread-is-election-fraud-in-the-united-states-not-very/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406020938/https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-widespread-is-election-fraud-in-the-united-states-not-very/ |archive-date=April 6, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |website=Brookings}}{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Ella |date=October 31, 2024 |title=Election fraud rare in US elections, despite persistent claims otherwise |url=https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4962270-us-election-fraud-rare/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411180415/https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4962270-us-election-fraud-rare/ |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=The Hill}} Trump vilified mail-in voting and early voting, two alleged culprits of voter fraud, even as Republicans were advising supporters to use those voting methods in the coming election.{{cite news |author1=Kendall Ross |author2=Lalee Ibssa |author3=Soo Rin Kim |date=April 5, 2024 |title=Republican Party pushing mail-in voting despite Trump's opposition |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/republicans-push-mail-voting-despite-trumps-opposition/story?id=108890566 |work=ABC News}}{{Cite web |last=Kashinsky |first=Lisa |date=2024-09-23 |title=Trump tells supporters to vote early even as he still criticizes the practice |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/23/trump-tells-supporters-to-vote-early-even-as-he-still-criticizes-the-practice-00180650 |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Kornfield |first1=Meryl |last2=Arnsdorf |first2=Isaac |last3=Vazquez |first3=Maegan |date=October 26, 2024 |title=Trump slams early voting at Michigan rally marking start of early voting |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/10/26/trump-early-voting-criticize/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427231833/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/10/26/trump-early-voting-criticize/ |archive-date=April 27, 2025 |access-date=April 28, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} When Trump was struck with criminal prosecutions, another big lie ensued—that he was completely innocent.{{harvnb|Moniz|Swann|2025|pp=2, 4}}{{Cite news |last=Greenwood |first=Max |date=March 30, 2023 |title=Trump lashes out at indictment, says he's 'completely innocent' |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3926877-trump-lashes-out-at-indictment-says-hes-completely-innocent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112052806/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3926877-trump-lashes-out-at-indictment-says-hes-completely-innocent/ |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=The Hill}}{{Cite news |last1=Price |first1=Michelle L. |last2=Colvin |first2=Jill |date=June 1, 2024 |title=Trump tries to move past his guilty verdict by attacking the criminal justice system |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-2024-campaign-trial-4629840240cb308c5eae335532ad17ed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250415220555/https://apnews.com/article/trump-2024-campaign-trial-4629840240cb308c5eae335532ad17ed |archive-date=April 15, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} "I did everything right and they indicted me," he once said.{{Cite news |last=Soave |first=Robby |date=June 14, 2023 |title='I Did Everything Right and They Indicted Me,' Says Defiant Trump in Post-Arraignment Speech |url=https://reason.com/2023/06/14/trump-arraignment-indictment-classified-documents-biden/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213114209/https://reason.com/2023/06/14/trump-arraignment-indictment-classified-documents-biden/ |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=Reason}} Political scientists Philip Moniz and William Swann argue that the loyalty nurtured in Trump's supporters by his "rigged elections" myth enabled them to believe the "innocent" myth as well. Some commentators described the former President's attribution of his "defeats" to a "rigged" system as a "heads I win, tails you cheated" strategy.{{Cite news |last=Steinberg |first=Neil |date=May 14, 2024 |title=Trump's politics? Heads I win, tails you lose |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2024/05/14/2024-presidential-election-trump-biden-fraud-capitol-insurrection |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520233403/https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2024/05/14/2024-presidential-election-trump-biden-fraud-capitol-insurrection |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}

{{Quote box

| quote = There's one request. It's very important. Register to vote. OK? And get everyone you know and everyone you don't know, drag them to register to vote. There's only two days left to register to vote in Georgia and Arizona, 48 hours. Like, text people now. Now. And then make sure they actually do vote. If they don't, this will be the last election.

| source = — Elon Musk, a prominent Trump ally, in an October 2024 rally at Butler, Pennsylvania{{cite web |title=Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Campaign Rally in Butler, Pennsylvania - October 5, 2024 |url=

https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-butler-pennsylvania-october-5-2024/ |website=Roll Call |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221070932/https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-butler-pennsylvania-october-5-2024/ |archive-date=February 21, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025}}

| width = 25%

}}

Trump's campaign heavily relied on fearmongering.{{Cite news |last=Castillo |first=Andrea |date=July 18, 2024 |title=GOP sticks to the message that migrants are dangerous |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-07-18/trump-shooting-republican-campaign-immigrants-migrants-violent-dangerous |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924092558/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-07-18/trump-shooting-republican-campaign-immigrants-migrants-violent-dangerous |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=Los Angeles Times |issn=0458-3035}}{{Cite news |last=Michael |first=Gold |date=October 1, 2024 |title=Trump's Consistent Message Online and Onstage: Be Afraid |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/01/us/politics/trump-fear-speeches.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001180636/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/01/us/politics/trump-fear-speeches.html/ |archive-date=October 1, 2024 |access-date=October 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} He inflated the economic, crime, and immigration-related state of the U.S. to paint an image of a nation in ruins, a "failed" "Third World" country, in his words. On Biden's economy, he alleged that inflation was the highest it had ever been.{{Cite news |last=Horton |first=Jake |date=September 3, 2024 |title=Is US economy better or worse now than under Trump? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8xl5vnlzpwo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429004925/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8xl5vnlzpwo |archive-date=April 29, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=BBC News}} On crime, commentators viewed Trump's version of the U.S. as "dystopian".{{Cite news |last=Krugman |first=Paul |date=March 4, 2024 |title=Trump Is Running on Dystopian Fantasies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/04/opinion/trump-biden.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406191956/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/04/opinion/trump-biden.html |archive-date=April 6, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite news |last1=Parker |first1=Ashley |last2=LeVine |first2=Marianne |last3=Godwin |first3=Ross |date=March 11, 2024 |title=Trump's freewheeling speeches offer a dark vision of a second term |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/11/trump-campaign-speech-anatomy/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311161549/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/11/trump-campaign-speech-anatomy/ |archive-date=March 11, 2024 |access-date=March 17, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en |issn=0190-8286}} According to him, cities were consumed with terror, with Washington, D.C., "absolutely plagued by numbers and crime that nobody’s ever seen before", and San Francisco, a "great city 15 years ago," now "unlivable". He claimed that hordes of criminal illegal immigrants were wreaking havoc on the U.S.,{{Cite news |last=Haberman |first=Maggie |date=September 11, 2024 |title='The End of Our Country': Trump Paints Dark Picture at Debate |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/11/us/politics/trump-debate-dark-picture.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923105051/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/11/us/politics/trump-debate-dark-picture.html |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=The New York Times}} a claim that has been described as a "myth".{{Cite news |last1=Flagg |first1=Anna |last2=Eads |first2=David |date=November 6, 2024 |title=Trump's Immigration Lies Paid Off at the Polls |url=https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/11/06/election-result-trump-harris-immigration-crime |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225153633/https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/11/06/election-result-trump-harris-immigration-crime |archive-date=February 25, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=The Marshall Project}} Moreover, the former President accused Harris of being "in favor of the death of the American dream". Trump made apocalyptic prophecies predicting imminent doom should he lose the election.{{Cite news |last=Seitz-Wald |first=Alex |date=September 20, 2024 |title=Apocalypse delayed: Trump keeps promising a doom that never comes |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/apocalypse-delayed-trump-promising-doom-never-comes-rcna170151 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924065554/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/apocalypse-delayed-trump-promising-doom-never-comes-rcna170151 |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=NBC News}} He warned that, with another Democratic administration, a second Great Depression would ensue,{{Cite news |last=Collinson |first=Stephen |date=September 24, 2024 |title=Trump plays the fear card on the economy – and it seems to be working |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/24/politics/trump-fear-economy-analysis/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925213447/https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/24/politics/trump-fear-economy-analysis/index.html |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=CNN}} World War Three would break out, and the U.S. would be "finished".{{cite web |title=Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Campaign Rally in Greensboro, North Carolina - October 22, 2024 |url=https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-greensboro-north-carolina-october-22-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119175057/https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-greensboro-north-carolina-october-22-2024/ |archive-date=January 19, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |website=Roll Call}}

Two frequent targets of Trump's fearmongering were illegal immigrants and transgender people. He repeatedly used racial stereotypes and dehumanizing rhetoric to paint the influx of illegal immigrants as an assault—an "invasion"—on the American public,{{Cite news |last1=Gold |first1=Michael |last2=Huynh |first2=Anjali |date=April 2, 2024 |title=Trump Again Invokes 'Blood Bath' and Dehumanizes Migrants in Border Remarks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/02/us/politics/trump-border-blood-bath.html |access-date=April 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} {{subscription required}}{{Cite news |last1=Shear |first1=Michael D. |last2=Aleaziz |first2=Hamed |last3=Ulloa |first3=Jazmine |date=September 11, 2024 |title=How Trump Uses Vitriol for Migrants to Sideline Other Issues |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/11/us/politics/trump-debate-migrants.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923163916/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/11/us/politics/trump-debate-migrants.html |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} citing baseless accounts of their proclivity for crime. Trump labelled illegal immigrants as subhuman:{{Cite news |last1=Layne |first1=Nathan |last2=Slattery |first2=Gram |last3=Reid |first3=Tim |date=April 3, 2024 |title=Trump calls migrants 'animals,' intensifying focus on illegal immigration |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-expected-highlight-murder-michigan-woman-immigration-speech-2024-04-02/ |access-date=April 3, 2024 |work=Reuters |quote=While speaking of Laken Riley - a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia allegedly murdered by a Venezuelan immigrant in the country illegally - Trump said some immigrants were sub-human. "The Democrats say, 'Please don't call them animals. They're humans.' I said, 'No, they're not humans, they're not humans, they're animals,'" said Trump, president from 2017 to 2021.}} "vile animals", "savages", and "predators". At rallies, the former President stated that they will "walk in your kitchen, they'll cut your throat", and "grab young girls and slice them up right in front of their parents". He also peddled false claims that foreign leaders were deliberately emptying insane asylums to send "prisoners, murderers, drug dealers, mental patients, terrorists" across the Southern border. On multiple occasions, Trump and Republicans promoted the conspiracy that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were looting and eating people's pets. As a result of their efforts, dozens of bomb threats emerged targeting Springfield schools, hospitals, public buildings, and businesses.{{Cite web |last1=Breuninger |first1=Kevin |last2=Rozzelle |first2=Josephine |date=September 16, 2024 |title=Ohio GOP Gov. DeWine says 'at least 33' bomb threats prompt Springfield to begin daily school sweeps |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/16/springfield-bomb-threats-ohio-republican.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917123730/https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/16/springfield-bomb-threats-ohio-republican.html |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=September 17, 2024 |website=CNBC |language=en}} Besides illegal immigrants, Trump used transgender people as scapegoats.{{Cite news |last=Romano |first=Aja |date=October 30, 2024 |title=The cruel truth behind Trump's new attacks on trans people |url=https://www.vox.com/2024-elections/380861/trump-transphobic-anti-trans-ads-scapegoating |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250415083027/https://www.vox.com/2024-elections/380861/trump-transphobic-anti-trans-ads-scapegoating |archive-date=April 15, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=Vox}} He attempted to incite a moral panic over their interference in politics and society,{{Cite news |last1=Lawler |first1=Dave |last2=Pandey |first2=Erica |date=November 21, 2024 |title=Trump win emboldens GOP's anti-trans blitz |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/11/21/trump-anti-trans-bathroom-laws-gop |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427211158/https://www.axios.com/2024/11/21/trump-anti-trans-bathroom-laws-gop |archive-date=April 27, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=Axios}}{{Cite news |last=Migdon |first=Brooke |date=October 16, 2024 |title=Trump suggests he will ban transgender athletes through executive action |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4936727-trump-bans-transgender-athletes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427144815/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4936727-trump-bans-transgender-athletes/ |archive-date=April 27, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=The Hill}} falsely warning that children in schools were being forced into gender reassignment surgery,{{Cite news |last=Dale |first=Daniel |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Fact check: Trump falsely claims schools are secretly sending children for gender-affirming surgeries |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/04/politics/donald-trump-fact-check-children-gender-affirming-surgery/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212082734/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/04/politics/donald-trump-fact-check-children-gender-affirming-surgery/index.html |archive-date=February 12, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=CNN}} and that trans women were unfairly infiltrating in women's sports. Aja Romano of Vox noted, "By unifying around the public’s negative perceptions of these groups, the Republican Party amasses power and control at all levels of government". Fear drew voters wary of illegal immigration and transgenderism to sympathize with Trump's message, according to commentators. It also energized conservative adherents of his.

File:The main rivals to Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination.jpg nomination: Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Chris Christie (left to right, top row first)]]

As of late November 2022, Quinnipiac reported that 34% of Americans expressed approval of Donald Trump's candidacy, including just 62% of Republicans.{{Cite news |date=November 22, 2022 |title=Nearly 6 in 10 Americans View Trump's 2024 Run As A Bad Thing, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; Split Between Trump Vs. DeSantis For 2024 GOP Nominee |work=Quinnipiac University Polling Institute}} Some two months after its inception, only 30 out of 271 congressional Republicans had endorsed him.{{Cite news |last=Blake |first=Aaron |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Trump's meager early 2024 endorsements |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/15/trump-endorsements-2024/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130104732/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/15/trump-endorsements-2024/ |archive-date=November 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

Trump was challenged in the primaries by Nikki Haley (February 14, 2023,{{Cite news |author=Kinnard, Meg |date=February 14, 2023 |title=Nikki Haley announces run for president, challenging Trump |url=https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-running-for-president-f28052019e8ac3846cd125b3d9614d4f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221040252/https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-running-for-president-f28052019e8ac3846cd125b3d9614d4f |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |access-date=February 20, 2023 |work=Associated Press |language=en}} to March 6, 2024), Vivek Ramaswamy (February 21, 2023, to January 15, 2024), Asa Hutchinson (April 6, 2023, to January 16, 2024), and Ron DeSantis (May 24, 2023, to January 21, 2024).

Other challengers, who withdrew before the primaries, were Perry Johnson (March 2, 2023, to October 20, 2023), Larry Elder (April 20, 2023, to October 26, 2023), Tim Scott (May 19, 2023, to November 12, 2023), Mike Pence (June 5, 2023, to October 28, 2023), Chris Christie (June 6, 2023, to January 10, 2024), Doug Burgum (June 7, 2023, to December 4, 2023), Francis Suarez (June 14, 2023, to August 29, 2023), and Will Hurd (June 22, 2023, to October 9, 2023).

From August 23 to January 10, 2024, there were five debates among the candidates in the campaign for the Republican Party's nomination for president. Trump was absent from all of them, and was not planning to attend the debates scheduled for January 18 and 21, 2024.{{Cite news |last=Garrity |first=Kelly |date=January 2, 2024 |title=Trump forgoes CNN debate in favor of Fox town hall |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/02/trump-debate-fox-town-hall-00133443 |access-date=January 10, 2024 |work=Politico |language=en-US}} On January 16, when she and Ron DeSantis were the last challengers left, Nikki Haley announced she would not attend the January 18 debate unless Donald Trump took part in it. ABC News canceled that debate,{{cite news |last=Kinnard |first=Meg |date=January 16, 2024 |title=Next Republican debate canceled after Nikki Haley says she'll only participate if Donald Trump does |url=https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-election-2024-trump-desantis-debate-cfa811ad87758a2d92779e793f06bbce |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=Associated Press}} and CNN canceled the January 21 one.{{cite news |last=Doherty |first=Erin |date=January 17, 2024 |title=CNN cancels New Hampshire Republican primary debate |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/01/17/new-hampshire-republican-debate-cnn-cancel-haley |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=Axios}}

By mid-January 2024, Politico reported that a majority of congressional Republicans had come out in favor of Trump.{{Cite news |last=Isenstadt |first=Alex |date=January 14, 2024 |title=Trump now has majority congressional GOP support |url=https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/01/14/iowa-caucus/trump-hits-milestone-00135550 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321015130/https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/01/14/iowa-caucus/trump-hits-milestone-00135550 |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=Politico}}

After winning the primaries in Washington, D.C. (March 3) and Vermont (March 5), Haley suspended her presidential campaign the day after Super Tuesday.{{cite news |last1=Atwood |first1=Kylie |last2=John |first2=Arit |last3=Davis |first3=Ebony |date=March 6, 2024 |title=Nikki Haley exits Republican presidential race |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/06/politics/nikki-haley-2024-presidential-race/index.html |access-date=March 18, 2024 |work=CNN}}

National primary polling showed Trump leading by 50 points over other candidates during the Republican primaries.{{Cite news |title=2024 Republican Primary Polls |url=https://pro.morningconsult.com/trackers/2024-gop-primary-election-tracker |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Morning Consult Pro |language=en}} After he won a landslide victory in the 2024 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses, Trump was generally described as being the Republican Party's presumptive nominee for president.{{Cite news |last1=Slattery |first1=Gram |last2=Ulmer |first2=Alexandra |date=January 16, 2024 |title=Ron DeSantis bet the farm on Iowa. He just lost it |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ron-desantis-bet-farm-iowa-he-just-lost-it-2024-01-16/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240116160615/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ron-desantis-bet-farm-iowa-he-just-lost-it-2024-01-16/ |archive-date=16 January 2024 |access-date=January 16, 2024 |work=Reuters |quote="The Iowa results confirm a compelling consensus that Trump will be the nominee and there is nothing anyone can do about it absent an act of God or the courts," Jowers said.}}{{Cite news |last1=Politi |first1=James |last2=Fedor |first2=Lauren |date=January 15, 2023 |title='The inevitable nominee': Iowa embraces Trump as rivals left in the dust |url=https://www.ft.com/content/c82d551f-b5fa-44d3-9e9b-d148bc8ad0f6 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240116091743/https://www.ft.com/content/c82d551f-b5fa-44d3-9e9b-d148bc8ad0f6 |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=Financial Times |quote="Republican voters see him as the inevitable nominee, and they're already falling in line," he added.}}{{Cite magazine |last=Cortellessa |first=Eric |date=2024-01-16 |title=How Trump Took Control of the GOP Primary |url=https://time.com/6555904/donald-trump-gop-primary-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926133844/https://time.com/6555904/donald-trump-gop-primary-2024/ |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=2024-01-16 |magazine=Time}} On March 12, 2024, Trump officially became the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party.{{Cite news |last=Colvin |first=Jill |date=2024-03-12 |title=Trump clinches 2024 Republican nomination |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-clinches-2024-republican-nomination |access-date=2024-04-29 |work=PBS News Hour}}

{{main|List of Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign endorsements|List of Republicans who opposed the Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign}}

File:Trump UFC 2024.jpg fight: Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump Jr., Dana White, Mike Johnson, Elon Musk, Kid Rock, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Vivek Ramaswamy (left to right) ]]

Although initially hesitant to back the former President's campaign, most Republican officials quickly rallied behind Trump as the primaries progressed.{{cite news |last=Mascaro |first=Lisa |date=January 6, 2024 |title=On Jan. 6 many Republicans blamed Trump for the Capitol riot. Now they endorse his presidential bid |url=https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-trump-biden-insurrection-congress-690af49cbf1f7a5696545b1ebbe45c47 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106051107/https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-trump-biden-insurrection-congress-690af49cbf1f7a5696545b1ebbe45c47 |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last=Lerer |first=Lisa |date=February 25, 2025 |title=After South Carolina, Trump's March to the Nomination Quickens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/25/us/politics/trump-south-carolina-analysis.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409172349/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/25/us/politics/trump-south-carolina-analysis.html |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite news |last1=Fox |first1=Lauren |last2=Fossum |first2=Sam |date=February 25, 2024 |title=No. 2 Senate Republican endorses Trump for president |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/25/politics/john-thune-donald-trump-endorsement/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241102002555/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/25/politics/john-thune-donald-trump-endorsement/index.html |archive-date=November 2, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=CNN}} Many of his primary opponents came to endorse him.{{Cite news |last1=Epstein |first1=Kayla |last2=Wendling |first2=Mike |date=July 17, 2024 |title=Trump's defeated Republican rivals show united front at convention |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnd0gn6nel6o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118014141/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnd0gn6nel6o |archive-date=January 18, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=BBC News}} Trump's criminal prosecutions and first assassination attempt continued to unite the Republican Party's support for the former President.{{Cite news |last1=Goldmacher |first1=Shane |last2=Broadwater |first2=Luke |date=May 31, 2024 |title=Trump's Conviction Binds the G.O.P. Even Closer to Him |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/31/us/politics/trump-conviction-gop-reaction.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241013091700/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/31/us/politics/trump-conviction-gop-reaction.html |archive-date=October 13, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite news |last1=Dixon |first1=Matt |last2=Gomez |first2=Henry J. |date=July 14, 2024 |title=Trump assassination attempt bolsters 'unified' GOP headed into RNC convention |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-assassination-attempt-bolsters-unified-gop-headed-rnc-convention-rcna161754 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221183931/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-assassination-attempt-bolsters-unified-gop-headed-rnc-convention-rcna161754 |archive-date=February 21, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=NBC News}}{{Cite news |last=Manchester |first=Julia |date=July 14, 2024 |title=Shooting makes Trump 'indestructible' in eyes of supporters |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4771509-republicans-unite-trump-shooting/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250107203820/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4771509-republicans-unite-trump-shooting/ |archive-date=January 7, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=The Hill}} Besides Republican officials, many podcasters and social media influencers stood behind Trump.{{Cite news |last1=Feng |first1=Victoria |last2=Yang |first2=Angela |date=July 18, 2024 |title=Influencers with millions of followers are backing Trump, but few are vocally supporting Biden |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/trump-jake-paul-influencer-support-donald-faze-bryce-hall-rcna162235 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212084213/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/trump-jake-paul-influencer-support-donald-faze-bryce-hall-rcna162235 |archive-date=February 12, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=NBC News}} Other prominent endorsements included Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Kanye West, Buzz Aldrin, Mel Gibson, Hulk Hogan, and Amber Rose.{{Cite news |last=Lotz |first=Avery |date=October 31, 2024 |title=These celebrities have endorsed either Harris or Trump for president |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/09/11/celebs-endorsed-harris-trump-2024-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308004318/https://www.axios.com/2024/09/11/celebs-endorsed-harris-trump-2024-election |archive-date=March 8, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=Axios}}

Sarah Palin was the only former Republican president, vice president or nominee to back Trump.{{Cite news |last=Bendery |first=Jennifer |date=September 7, 2024 |title=The Complete List Of Past GOP Presidential Ticket Members Who Say They're Voting For Trump |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/complete-list-past-gop-presidential-222116728.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202131350/https://www.yahoo.com/news/complete-list-past-gop-presidential-222116728.html |archive-date=December 2, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=HuffPost |via=Yahoo! News}} Notable Republican politicians who either opposed or declined to announce their support publicly include former president George W. Bush,{{Cite news |date=2024-09-07 |title=Former President George W. Bush has no plans to endorse in the election |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/former-president-george-w-bush-no-plans-endorse-2024-election-rcna170055 |access-date=2024-10-18 |work=NBC News |language=en}} former vice presidents Mike Pence,{{Cite news |last=Yilek |first=Caitlin |date=March 15, 2024 |title=Pence says he won't endorse Trump in 2024 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pence-wont-endorse-trump/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401013311/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pence-wont-endorse-trump/ |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=CBS News}} and Dick Cheney,{{Cite news |date=2024-09-07 |title=Former Vice President Dick Cheney says he will vote for Harris |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/dick-cheney-kamala-harris-liz-cheney-rcna169979 |access-date=2024-10-18 |work=NBC News |language=en}} former House Speakers John Boehner{{Cite news |last=Farhi |first=Arden |date=2023-06-08 |title=Former Republican House Speaker John Boehner says it's time for GOP "to move on" from Trump - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-boehner-says-its-time-for-gop-to-move-on-from-trump-the-takeout/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |work=CBS News}} and Paul Ryan,{{Cite news |last=Suter |first=Tara |date=2024-05-08 |title=Paul Ryan says he won't vote for Trump: 'I'm gonna write in a Republican' |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4650934-paul-ryan-donald-trump-2024-election-voting/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |work=The Hill}} as well as former representatives Liz Cheney{{Cite news |date=2024-10-13 |title=Liz Cheney issues dire warning about 'fundamentally cruel' Trump, agrees he's a 'fascist' |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/liz-cheney-issues-dire-warning-fundamentally-cruel-trump-agrees-s-fasc-rcna175193 |access-date=2024-10-18 |work=NBC News |language=en}} and Adam Kinzinger.{{Cite news |last=Rozzelle |first=Josephine |date=2024-08-23 |title=Republican ex-Rep. Adam Kinzinger: Trump 'suffocated the soul of' the GOP |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/22/adam-kinzinger-republican-trump-harris-dnc.html |access-date=2024-10-18 |work=CNBC |language=en}} Some of Trump's 2016 and 2024 primary opponents such as Jeb Bush,{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Jared |date=2022-10-21 |title=Jeb Bush: GOP will be 'yearning for new leadership' in 2024 |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3698053-jeb-bush-gop-will-be-yearning-for-new-leadership-in-2024/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |work=The Hill |language=en-US}} John Kasich,{{cite news |last1=Balmert |first1=Jessie |date=2024-10-03 |title=Ex-Ohio Gov. John Kasich once again won't vote for former President Donald Trump |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/10/03/ex-ohio-gov-john-kasich-wont-vote-for-trump-doesnt-endorse-harris/75494204007/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |work=The Columbus Dispatch |agency=USA Today Network Ohio Bureau}} Carly Fiorina,{{Cite news |date=May 13, 2021 |title=A Conversation with Carly Fiorina |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2021/05/13/conversation-with-carly-fiorina/ |access-date=October 18, 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} Chris Christie,{{citation needed|date=April 2025}} Asa Hutchinson,{{Cite news |last=Stracqualursi |first=Veronica |date=2024-03-18 |title=Asa Hutchinson says he won't endorse Trump and won't vote for Biden |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/18/politics/asa-hutchinson-trump-biden/index.html |access-date=2024-10-18 |work=CNN |language=en}} and Will Hurd{{Cite news |last=Berg |first=Matt |date=June 23, 2023 |title=Hurd won't support Trump if he's the nominee, he says |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/23/hurd-wont-support-trump-00103367 |access-date=October 16, 2024 |work=Politico |language=en}} also declined to endorse or openly opposed the campaign. Republican organizations such as 43 Alumni for America, Haley Voters for Harris, and The Lincoln Project all endorsed Harris.{{Cite web |last=43_Alumni_Admin |date=2024-08-26 |title=Bush, McCain, and Romney Alumni for Harris Statement |url=https://43alumniforamerica.com/bush-mccain-romney-alumni-for-harris/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=43 Alumni for America}}{{Cite news |last=Navarro |first=Aaron |date=2024-07-24 |title="Haley voters for Harris" group gets cease and desist request from Nikki Haley - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/haley-voters-for-harris-cease-and-desist-nikki-haley-kamala-harris/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |work=CBS News}}{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Jack |date=2024-07-29 |title=The Lincoln Project: Kamala for President |url=https://lincolnproject.us/kamala-for-president/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=The Lincoln Project |language=en-US}} Half of the members of Trump's cabinet did not support his run for president.{{Cite news |date=October 29, 2024 |title=These are the Republicans endorsing Harris over Trump |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/10/12/republicans-for-kamala-harris-2024-election/ |newspaper=Washington Post}}{{Cite news |date=October 31, 2024 |title=A second Trump term comes with unacceptable risks |url=https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/10/31/a-second-trump-term-comes-with-unacceptable-risks |access-date=2024-10-31 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}

{{main|2024 Republican Party vice presidential candidate selection}}

File:Senator Vance official portrait. 118th Congress.jpg, Trump's running mate in 2024]]

Mike Pence served as Trump's vice president from 2017 to 2021, as well as his running mate in 2020. However, the pair had a dramatic falling out on January 6, 2021, when Pence refused to follow Trump's orders to deny the certification of the 2020 election results. The President thereafter tweeted that Pence "didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our country and our constitution".{{Cite news |last=Pengelly |first=Martin |date=September 14, 2022 |title=Trump tells authors of 'The Divider' book he won't pick Pence for 2024 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/sep/14/trump-pence-running-mate-2024-book |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126235921/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/sep/14/trump-pence-running-mate-2024-book |archive-date=November 26, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |last1=Forrest |first1=Jack |last2=Sneed |first2=Tierney |last3=Rabinowitz |first3=Hannah |last4=Lybrand |first4=Holmes |date=October 3, 2024 |title=Pence and Trump's frayed relationship leading up to Jan. 6 insurrection on full display in latest special counsel filing |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/03/politics/pence-trump-january-6-special-counsel-filing/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117000528/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/03/politics/pence-trump-january-6-special-counsel-filing/index.html |archive-date=January 17, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=CNN}} As early as March 2021, Bloomberg News reported that Trump had largely ruled out sharing a ticket with Pence in 2024.{{Cite news |last1=Jacobs |first1=Jennifer |last2=Parker |first2=Mario |last3=Niquette |first3=Mark |date=March 3, 2021 |title=Trump Weighs 2024 Run Without Mike Pence, Allies Say |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-03/trump-weighs-2024-white-house-run-without-mike-pence-allies-say |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326201117/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-03/trump-weighs-2024-white-house-run-without-mike-pence-allies-say |archive-date=March 26, 2021 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Bloomberg News}} At least sixteen names were raised as possible candidates for the position.{{Collapsible list

| title = Reported Republican candidates for vice presidentMultiple sources:

• {{cite news |last1=Isenstadt |first1=Alex |last2=McGraw |first2=Meridith |date=January 21, 2024 |title=The veepstakes heats up as Trump pulls away

|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/21/gop-primary-vice-president-00136779 |work=Politico |url-status=live |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121122237/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/21/gop-primary-vice-president-00136779 |archive-date=January 21, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025}}

• {{cite news |last1=Lizza |first1=Ryan |last2=Bade |first2=Rachael |last3=Daniels |first3=Eugene |date=January 21, 2024 |title=Playbook: The New Hampshire whimper |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2024/01/21/the-new-hampshire-whimper-00136805 |work=Politico |url-status=live |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307193211/https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2024/01/21/the-new-hampshire-whimper-00136805 |archive-date=March 7, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025}}
• {{cite news |last=Allen |first=Mike |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Trump's doc requests reveal VP short list

|url=https://www.axios.com/2024/06/06/trump-vp-short-list-top-contenders |work=Axios |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402055411/https://www.axios.com/2024/06/06/trump-vp-short-list-top-contenders |archive-date=April 2, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025}}

• {{cite news |last=Mastrangelo |first=Dominick |date=January 18, 2024 |title=Trump Jr. says Tucker Carlson 'certainly' a VP contender |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4416145-trump-jr-tucker-carlson-vp-contender/ |work=The Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126112139/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4416145-trump-jr-tucker-carlson-vp-contender/ |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025}}
• {{cite news |last=Basu |first=Zachary |date=January 18, 2024 |title=Trump veepstakes heat up after Iowa blowout |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/01/19/trump-vp-stefanik-haley-vance |work=Axios |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113010902/https://www.axios.com/2024/01/19/trump-vp-stefanik-haley-vance |archive-date=November 13, 2024 |access-date=April 13, 2025}}
• {{cite news |last=Isenstadt |first=Alex |date=February 20, 2025 |title=Trump says long VP shortlist includes Tim Scott, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/20/trump-vp-shortlist-00142353 |work=Politico |url-status=live |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119175418/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/20/trump-vp-shortlist-00142353 |archive-date=January 19, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025}}
• {{cite news |last=Bender |first=Michael C. |date=April 5, 2024 |title=Trump-Kennedy 2024? Trump, at least, is intrigued by the idea|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/trump-kennedy-2024-trump-at-least-is-intrigued-by-the-idea/ |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219124028/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/trump-kennedy-2024-trump-at-least-is-intrigued-by-the-idea/ |archive-date=February 19, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025}}
• {{cite news |last=LeVine |first=Marianne |date=June 19, 2024 |title=How Marco Rubio went from rival to one of Donald Trump's VP finalists |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/06/19/marco-rubio-trump-vp-election-2024/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406002848/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/06/19/marco-rubio-trump-vp-election-2024/ |archive-date=April 6, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025}}

| bullets = true|Doug Burgum, governor of North Dakota (2016–2024) and former 2024 presidential candidate|Tucker Carlson, political commentator|Ben Carson, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (2017–2021) and 2016 presidential candidate|Tom Cotton, senator from Arkansas (2015–present)|Byron Donalds, representative from Florida's 19th congressional district (2021–present)|Tulsi Gabbard, former representative from Hawaii's 2nd congressional district (2013–2021) and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate|Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina (2011–2017), former ambassador to the United Nations, and former 2024 presidential candidate|Robert F. Kennedy Jr., environmental lawyer and independent 2024 presidential candidate{{efn|In January 2024, Kennedy claimed that Trump had approached him to be his running mate and that he had refused the offer.{{cite news |last=Hindustan Times News Desk |date=January 30, 2024 |title='I am flattered': RFK Jr. reacts to speculation about Trump's running mate in 2024 election |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/i-am-flattered-rfk-jr-reacts-to-speculation-about-trumps-running-mate-in-2024-election-101706609839543.html |work=Hindustan Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250329032958/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/i-am-flattered-rfk-jr-reacts-to-speculation-about-trumps-running-mate-in-2024-election-101706609839543.html |archive-date=March 29, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025}} Trump campaign advisor Chris LaCivita denied that the Trump campaign had ever approached Kennedy to be Trump's running mate, however, and added that they had no plans on ever doing so.{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=David |date=January 29, 2024 |title=Donald Trump's campaign says Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. won't be his running mate pick

|url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/28/donald-trump-campaign-rfk-jr-vice-president/72388400007/ |work=USA Today |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115210631/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/28/donald-trump-campaign-rfk-jr-vice-president/72388400007/ |archive-date=January 15, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025}} In April, however, multiple sources close to Trump once again reported that he was considering Kennedy.{{cite news |last=Bender |first=Michael C. |date=April 5, 2024 |title=Trump-Kennedy 2024? Trump, at least, is intrigued by the idea

|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/trump-kennedy-2024-trump-at-least-is-intrigued-by-the-idea/ |work=Seattle Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219124028/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/trump-kennedy-2024-trump-at-least-is-intrigued-by-the-idea/ |archive-date=February 19, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025}}}}|Kari Lake, former news anchor and 2024 candidate for senator from Arizona|Kristi Noem, governor of South Dakota (2019–2025)|Vivek Ramaswamy, businessman and former 2024 presidential candidate|Marco Rubio, senator from Florida (2011–2025) and 2016 presidential candidate|Sarah Huckabee Sanders, governor of Arkansas (2023–present) and former White House press secretary (2017–2019)|Tim Scott, senator from South Carolina (2013–present) and former 2024 presidential candidate|Elise Stefanik, representative from New York's 21st congressional district (2015–present)|JD Vance, senator from Ohio (2023–2025)

}}

By June, the Trump campaign had reportedly delivered vetting paperwork to Burgum, Carson, Cotton, Donalds, Rubio, Scott, Stefanik, and Vance.{{Cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Mike |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Trump's doc requests reveal VP short list |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/06/06/trump-vp-short-list-top-contenders |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402055411/https://www.axios.com/2024/06/06/trump-vp-short-list-top-contenders |archive-date=April 2, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=Axios |language=en-US}} Ultimately, JD Vance was chosen to be Trump's running mate. Media analysts deduced this pick to an attempt to court Midwestern and white working-class voters. At 39, he also provided a counterbalance to Trump, 78 years old at the time. Vance's conservative stances, such as his isolationism and prior opposition to abortion even in cases of rape or incest, established the campaign's full commitment to Trumpism.{{Cite news |last=Zurcher |first=Anthony |date=July 16, 2024 |title=Why Trump picked JD Vance as his running mate |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqv50z8dzj5o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212142928/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqv50z8dzj5o |archive-date=February 12, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last1=Treene |first1=Alayna |last2=Contorno |first2=Steve |last3=Collins |first3=Kaitlan |date=July 16, 2024 |title=How Donald Trump landed on JD Vance as his vice presidential pick |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/16/politics/how-trump-chose-vp-pick-vance/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830155616/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/16/politics/how-trump-chose-vp-pick-vance/index.html |archive-date=August 30, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2024 |work=CNN}}{{Cite news |last=Osgood |first=Brian |date=July 18, 2024 |title=Why did Republican Donald Trump choose JD Vance as his vice president? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/18/why-did-republican-donald-trump-choose-jd-vance-as-his-vice-president |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229184042/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/18/why-did-republican-donald-trump-choose-jd-vance-as-his-vice-president |archive-date=December 29, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Al Jazeera}} Vance was the first Ohioan to appear on a major party presidential ticket since John Bricker in 1944,{{Cite news |author=Shoemaker |first=Anthony |date=July 15, 2024 |title=JD Vance would be first Ohio resident to be vice president, is first in 80 years on ticket |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/15/jd-vance-would-be-first-ohio-resident-to-serve-as-vp/74360390007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716142856/https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/15/jd-vance-would-be-first-ohio-resident-to-serve-as-vp/74360390007/ |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=The Columbus Dispatch}} and the first veteran since John McCain in 2008.{{Cite news |last=Cruz |first=Melissa |date=July 16, 2024 |title=Was JD Vance a Marine? A look at the military record of Trump's VP pick |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/16/was-jd-vance-marine-military/74411600007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414164257/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/16/was-jd-vance-marine-military/74411600007/ |archive-date=April 14, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=USA Today}} He was also the first millennial and veteran of the Iraq war (and the wider war on terror) on a presidential ticket.{{Cite news |last=Levien |first=Simon J. |date=July 17, 2024 |title=J.D. Vance Is the First Millennial on a Major Party Ticket |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/17/us/politics/vance-millennial-candidate-vice-president.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120055029/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/17/us/politics/vance-millennial-candidate-vice-president.html |archive-date=January 20, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}

{{Main article|2024 Republican National Convention}}

On July 15, 2024, Trump and Vance were officially named the Republican candidates for president and vice president in Republican National Convention at Milwaukee.{{Cite news |last=Ramírez |first=Isabella |date=July 15, 2024 |title=Republicans formally name Trump their presidential nominee |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/15/donald-trump-gop-presidential-nominee-00168345 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319115252/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/15/donald-trump-gop-presidential-nominee-00168345 |archive-date=March 19, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=Politico}}{{Cite news |last=Baken |first=Graeme |date=July 16, 2024 |title=JD Vance named as Trump's running mate |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx992q2nyx0o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330053547/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx992q2nyx0o |archive-date=March 30, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=BBC News}} Trump formally accepted the party's nomination in a 90-minute address on the convention's final night, just two days after his assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.{{cite news |last=The Associated Press |date=July 18, 2024 |title=2024 Election Latest: Trump accepts his GOP nomination on the convention's final night |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/2024-election-latest-trump-speak-rnc-convention-enters-112058201 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725020736/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/2024-election-latest-trump-speak-rnc-convention-enters-112058201 |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=ABC News}}{{Cite news |last1=Parker |first1=Ashley |last2=Dawsey |first2=Josh |date=July 16, 2024 |title=Trump, after assassination attempt and a string of wins, makes his entrance |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/15/trump-rnc-appearance-rally-shooting/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241013033122/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/15/trump-rnc-appearance-rally-shooting/ |archive-date=October 13, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

{{See also|List of rallies for the 2024 Donald Trump presidential campaign}}

File:Donald Trump's 2024 campaign rallies.png of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada]]

Donald Trump's campaign events were often described as "freewheeling", like a "rock show". It also stated, "Trump’s speeches at rallies can stretch for two hours as he meanders between policy proposals, personal stories and jokes, attacks on his opponents and complaints that he is being persecuted by the courts, and dire warnings about the country’s future". The New York Times highlighted an average rally length of 82 minutes compared with 45 minutes in 2016.

The most prominent songs used by Trump's campaign were "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood,{{Cite news|last=McGartland|first=Aidan|date=November 12, 2024|title=What role did music play in Trump and MAGA's electoral appeal?

|url=https://theconversation.com/what-role-did-music-play-in-trump-and-magas-electoral-appeal-243261|work=The Conversation|access-date=April 14, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407203812/https://theconversation.com/what-role-did-music-play-in-trump-and-magas-electoral-appeal-243261|archive-date=April 7, 2025|url-status=live}} "Hold On, I'm Comin'" by Sam & Dave, "America First" by Merle Haggard,{{Cite news|last=Marcus|first=Josh|date=July 23, 2024|title=JD Vance has a walk-on song. It's about 'liberating' America

|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/jd-vance-song-merle-haggard-b2584688.html|work=The Independent|access-date=April 14, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115053900/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/jd-vance-song-merle-haggard-b2584688.html|archive-date=November 15, 2024|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Willman|first=Chris|date=July 18, 2024|title=Why Merle Haggard Wrote 'America First,' the Song Suddenly Getting a Revival as JD Vance's Campaign Theme

|url=https://variety.com/2024/music/columns/jd-vance-merle-haggard-america-first-theme-song-gop-convention-1236076641/|work=Variety|access-date=April 14, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221150028/https://variety.com/2024/music/columns/jd-vance-merle-haggard-america-first-theme-song-gop-convention-1236076641/|archive-date=February 21, 2025|url-status=live}} and "Y.M.C.A." by Village People{{Cite news|last=Murphy|first=Joe|date=November 28, 2024|title=Trump made 'Y.M.C.A.' a staple at his rallies. Data shows it's sticking around.

|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/another-winner-trumps-2024-election-village-people-ymca-rcna181817|work=NBC News|access-date=April 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402191325/https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/another-winner-trumps-2024-election-village-people-ymca-rcna181817|archive-date=April 2, 2025|url-status=live}} He also used music for which the artists and owners of copyrights were not compensated.{{Cite news|last=Wagmeister |first=Elizabeth |date=2024-08-28 |title=Can Beyoncé, Celine Dion and Foo Fighters stop Trump from using their music? It's complicated |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/28/entertainment/beyonce-celine-dion-foo-fighters-trump-campaign/index.html |access-date=2024-09-26 |work=CNN}}{{Cite news|last=Greene |first=Leonard |date=2024-08-24 |title=Donald Trump thinks he's above the law, even when illegally using artists' music |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2024/aug/24/donald-trump-thinks-hes-above-the-law-even-when-il/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |work=Las Vegas Sun}} One such use—that of "Hold On, I'm Comin'"—resulted in a federal injunction barring Trump from playing it in his rallies any longer.{{Cite news |last=Luscombe |first=Richard |date=September 3, 2024 |title=Trump ordered by judge to stop playing Isaac Hayes song at campaign rallies |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/sep/03/trump-isaac-hayes |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250317204600/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/sep/03/trump-isaac-hayes |archive-date=March 17, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Trump ordered to stop using Isaac Hayes' music

|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c89w28w13zxo |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401075132/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c89w28w13zxo |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |work=BBC News}} Frequent chants in his rallies were "Fight! Fight! Fight!",{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=David |date=July 19, 2024 |title='Fight! Fight! Fight!': Trump emerges as an American messiah with swagger |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/19/donald-trump-rnc-speech-american-messiah-with-swagger |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403200714/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/19/donald-trump-rnc-speech-american-messiah-with-swagger |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |work=The Guardian}} and "USA!"{{Cite news |date=October 25, 2024 |title=Chants of 'USA' as Trump Makes Campaign Stop at Vegas Restaurant |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/chants-usa-trump-makes-campaign-094148276.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211072742/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/chants-usa-trump-makes-campaign-094148276.html |archive-date=December 11, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Yahoo! News}}

From 2023 up until the 2024 election, Trump was engulfed in legal battles. Trump's prosecutions, unprecedented in the nation's history, only bolstered his support, according to commentators. His funding surged, and the Republican Party grew ever more allegiant to him, although some commentators warned that moderate Republicans may have been alienated. Trump claimed his trial in New York was "rigged" and accused the Democratic Party of orchestrating his criminal trials to prevent him from returning to the White House, of which there is no evidence.{{Cite news |last=Qiu |first=Linda |date=May 31, 2024 |title=Trump and Allies Assail Conviction With Faulty Claims |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/31/us/politics/trump-speech-fact-check.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601040801/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/31/us/politics/trump-speech-fact-check.html |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} {{subscription required}} In May 2024, Trump falsely claimed Joe Biden was ready to kill him during the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago by misrepresenting standard Justice Department policy on use of force.{{Cite news |last=Astor |first=Maggie |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Trump Falsely Claims Biden Administration Was 'Locked & Loaded' to Kill Him |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/us/politics/trump-classified-documents-case-search.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523085530/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/us/politics/trump-classified-documents-case-search.html |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |quote=Former President Donald J. Trump misrepresented a standard Justice Department policy to claim the F.B.I. was ready to kill him when searching his home in 2022.}} {{subscription required}} These statements played into his attempts to project himself as a martyr.

In the wake of the January 6 Capitol attack, many of Trump's social media accounts were banned.{{More information needed|date=April 2025}} In November 2022, Elon Musk, who had recently taken ownership of Twitter, reinstated Trump's accounts.{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=November 19, 2022 |title=Elon Musk Reinstates Donald Trump's Twitter Account |url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/twitter-donald-trump-reinstated-elon-musk-1235177629/ |website=Deadline Hollywood}} A few months later, Facebook and Instagram followed suit.{{Cite web |last=O'Sullivan |first=Donie |date=2023-02-09 |title=Meta restores Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/09/tech/trump-facebook-instagram-restored/index.html |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=CNN |language=en}}

In October 2021, Trump's own social media platform, Truth Social, was founding, to counter the social bans imposed on him. He would primarily use it to spread messages.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-22 |title=What we know about Truth Social, Donald Trump's social media platform |url=https://apnews.com/article/truth-social-donald-trump-djt-ipo-digital-world-7437d5dcc491a1459a078195ae547987 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211233015/https://apnews.com/article/truth-social-donald-trump-djt-ipo-digital-world-7437d5dcc491a1459a078195ae547987 |archive-date=December 11, 2024 |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=Associated Press |language=en}} It is alt-tech.{{More information needed|date=April 2025}}

In November 2022, Kanye West, then a candidate for the 2024 election, dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, alongside white nationalist Nick Fuentes.{{Cite news |last=McGraw |first=Meridith |date=November 25, 2022 |title=Donald Trump dined with white nationalist, Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/25/trump-white-nationalist-nick-fuentes-kanye-00070825 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125213812/https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/25/trump-white-nationalist-nick-fuentes-kanye-00070825 |archive-date=November 25, 2022 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=Politico}}{{Cite news |author=Samuels, Ben |date=November 24, 2022 |title=Trump Hosts Holocaust Revisionist Nick Fuentes and Kanye West at Mar-a-Lago |url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2022-11-24/ty-article/.highlight/trump-hosts-holocaust-revisionist-nick-fuentes-and-kanye-west-at-mar-a-lago/00000184-a9a8-dd96-ad8c-eba891ed0000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125145250/https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2022-11-24/ty-article/.highlight/trump-hosts-holocaust-revisionist-nick-fuentes-and-kanye-west-at-mar-a-lago/00000184-a9a8-dd96-ad8c-eba891ed0000 |archive-date=November 25, 2022 |access-date=November 25, 2022 |newspaper=Haaretz}} West had recently posted a series of antisemitic statements on social media.{{Cite news |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=October 10, 2022 |title=Kanye West's Twitter and Instagram accounts locked over anti-Semitism |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63198991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226210148/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63198991 |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=BBC News}} Trump, on his part, claimed that this meeting was unexpected. At one point during the dinner, West asked Trump to be his running mate, after which the former President "started basically screaming at [West] at the table telling [him] [he] was going to lose".{{Cite news |last=Schonfeld |first=Zach |date=November 25, 2022 |title=Kanye West says he asked Trump to be his 2024 running mate |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3749908-kanye-west-says-he-asked-trump-to-be-his-2024-running-mate/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125212220/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3749908-kanye-west-says-he-asked-trump-to-be-his-2024-running-mate/ |archive-date=November 25, 2022 |access-date=November 25, 2022 |newspaper=The Hill}} Republican candidates Asa Hutchinson and Mike Pence openly rebuked Fuentes' presence in Trump's campaign,{{Cite news |last=Cole |first=Devan |date=November 27, 2022 |title=Arkansas GOP governor says Trump's meeting with Holocaust denier is 'very troubling' and 'empowering' for extremism |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/27/politics/asa-hutchinson-trump-nick-fuentes-cnntv/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130160937/https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/27/politics/asa-hutchinson-trump-nick-fuentes-cnntv/index.html |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |access-date=November 30, 2022 |work=CNN}}{{Cite news |last=Samuels |first=Brett |date=November 28, 2022 |title=Pence says Trump should apologize; 'wrong' to give antisemite 'a seat at the table' |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3753386-pence-says-trump-should-apologize-wrong-to-given-anti-semite-a-seat-at-the-table/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130160546/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3753386-pence-says-trump-should-apologize-wrong-to-given-anti-semite-a-seat-at-the-table/ |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |access-date=November 30, 2022 |work=The Hill}} and Mitch McConnell went as far as to suggest that he would not win the election because of the dinner.{{Cite news |last=Mangan |first=Dan |date=November 29, 2022 |title=McConnell suggests Trump is 'highly unlikely' to win presidential election due to Ye, Fuentes dinner |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/29/mcconnell-criticizes-trump-meeting-with-kanye-west-nick-fuentes.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201012130/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/29/mcconnell-criticizes-trump-meeting-with-kanye-west-nick-fuentes.html |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |access-date=December 1, 2022 |work=CNBC}} By October 2023, West had suspended his campaign.{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=October 20, 2023 |title=Kanye West Not Running For President in 2024 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-not-running-president-2024-1235450094/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304103325/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-not-running-president-2024-1235450094/ |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |magazine=Billboard}} He endorsed Trump.{{Cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |date=August 27, 2024 |title=Musicians Supporting Donald Trump in the 2024 Presidential Election |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/musicians-endorsing-donald-trump-president-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250223220712/https://www.billboard.com/lists/musicians-endorsing-donald-trump-president-2024/ |archive-date=February 23, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |magazine=Billboard}}{{Cite news |last=Walfisz |first=Jonny |date=November 2, 2024 |title=Who are the stars publicly supporting Donald Trump? |url=https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/11/02/who-are-the-stars-publicly-supporting-donald-trump |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118064227/https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/11/02/who-are-the-stars-publicly-supporting-donald-trump |archive-date=January 18, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=Euronews}}

File:Former President Donald Trump Holds Campaign Rally In Rochester, New Hampshire (53481310366).jpg, in January 2024]]

On January{{nbsp}}28, 2023, Trump held his first campaign events in South Carolina and New Hampshire.{{Cite news |last=Schwartz |first=D. Hunter |date=January 30, 2023 |title=Trump tells campaign rally crowd he has "unfinished business" |url=https://www.deseret.com/2023/1/30/23578283/trump-tells-campaign-rally-he-has-unfinished-business-calls-desantis-disloyal-if-he-runs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205183521/https://www.deseret.com/2023/1/30/23578283/trump-tells-campaign-rally-he-has-unfinished-business-calls-desantis-disloyal-if-he-runs |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |access-date=February 5, 2023 |work=Deseret News}}{{Cite news |last=Colvin |first=Jill |date=January 1, 2023 |title=Trump Rings In 2023 Facing Headwinds In His White House Run |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/election-2024-trump_n_63b19b40e4b0ae9de1b7ab79 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101211644/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/election-2024-trump_n_63b19b40e4b0ae9de1b7ab79 |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |access-date=January 1, 2023 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}

In March 2023, he was indicted for 34 felony counts of fraud stemming from his role in falsifying business records concerning hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, done in an attempt to influence the 2016 presidential election.{{cite news |last1=Fausset |first1=Richard |date=April 1, 2023 |title=Indicted and Running for Office? It Didn't Begin with Trump |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/01/us/politicians-indicted-trump-rick-perry.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926133913/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/01/us/politicians-indicted-trump-rick-perry.html |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite news |last=Marimow |first=Ann E. |date=April 4, 2023 |title=Here are the 34 charges against Trump and what they mean |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/04/04/trump-charges-34-counts-felony/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405092435/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/04/04/trump-charges-34-counts-felony/ |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=April 19, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} This marked his first indictment of four.{{Cite news |last1=Quinn |first1=Melissa |last2=Kates |first2=Graham |date=September 13, 2024 |title=Trump's 4 indictments in detail: A quick-look guide to charges, trial dates and key players for each case |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-indictments-details-guide-charges-trial-dates-people-case/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411143205/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-indictments-details-guide-charges-trial-dates-people-case/ |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=CBS News}}{{Cite news |last1=O'Kruk |first1=Amy |last2=Merrill |first2=Curt |date=January 10, 2025 |title=Donald Trump's criminal cases, in one place |url=https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2023/07/politics/trump-indictments-criminal-cases/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411143540/https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2023/07/politics/trump-indictments-criminal-cases/ |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=CNN}} His second came in June, when a federal grand jury indicted the former President for improperly retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence and destroying evidence related to the government probe.{{Cite news |last1=Gerstein |first1=Josh |last2=Cheney |first2=Kyle |date=June 8, 2023 |title=Trump indicted again in federal classified documents probe |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/08/trump-says-hes-been-indicted-in-classified-documents-probe-00101165 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411145852/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/08/trump-says-hes-been-indicted-in-classified-documents-probe-00101165 |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |website=Politico |language=en}} In August, Trump was indicted for his illegal attempts to remain in power following the 2020 election.{{Cite news |last1=Hammond |first1=Elise |last2=Chowdhury |first2=Maureen |last3=Powell |first3=Tori B. |last4=Hayes |first4=Mike |date=August 1, 2023 |title=August 1, 2023 Trump indicted in special counsel's 2020 election interference probe |url=https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-2020-election-probe-08-01-23/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411145311/https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-2020-election-probe-08-01-23/index.html |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=CNN}} This resulted in a mugshot being taken of him, which was widely circulated on the internet and raised his campaign over $7 million within two days of its release.{{Cite news |last=Friedman |first=Vanessa |date=August 25, 2023 |title=A Trump Mug Shot for History |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/25/style/trump-mugshot.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825043047/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/25/style/trump-mugshot.html/ |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite news |last=Yang |first=Maya |date=August 25, 2023 |title=From mugshot to mugs and memes: Trump picture fuels internet frenzy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/25/trump-mug-mugshot-memes-reaction |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825223702/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/25/trump-mug-mugshot-memes-reaction |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |access-date=August 26, 2023 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite web |last=Knolle |first=Sharon |date=August 25, 2023 |title=Trump's Mug Shot an Instant Phenomenon as Merch Hits Online Stores and Memes Overrun X |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/trump-mug-shot-t-shirts-010014815.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825011814/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/trump-mug-shot-t-shirts-010014815.html |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=TheWrap |via=Yahoo! Entertainment}}{{Cite news |last=Holmes |first=Kristen |date=August 26, 2023 |title=Trump campaign says it has raised $7.1 million since Atlanta mug shot |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/26/politics/trump-mugshot-fundraising-campaign/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829164235/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/26/politics/trump-mugshot-fundraising-campaign/index.html |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |access-date=August 31, 2023 |work=CNN}} Finally, later in August, the federal government and Georgia separately indicted him for criminal conspiracy and fraud vis-à-vis his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.{{Cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Devlin |last2=Hsu |first2=Spencer S. |last3=Stein |first3=Perry |last4=Dawsey |first4=Josh |last5=Alemany |first5=Jacqueline |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Trump charged in probe of Jan. 6, efforts to overturn 2020 election |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/08/01/trump-indictment-jan-6-2020-election/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801233818/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/08/01/trump-indictment-jan-6-2020-election/ |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |access-date=August 2, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{Cite news |last=Grabenstein |first=Hannah |date=August 15, 2023 |title=Read the full Georgia indictment against Trump and 18 allies |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/read-the-full-georgia-indictment-against-trump-and-18-allies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411141004/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/read-the-full-georgia-indictment-against-trump-and-18-allies |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=PBS News Hour}} Trump denied wrongdoing in all four cases. Besides these indictments, he was found liable in a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse and defamation against journalist E. Jean Carroll.{{Cite news |last=del Valle |first=Lauren |date=May 9, 2023 |title=Jury finds Donald Trump sexually abused E. Jean Carroll in civil case, awards her $5 million |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/09/politics/e-jean-carroll-trump-lawsuit-battery-defamation-verdict/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009121821/https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/09/politics/e-jean-carroll-trump-lawsuit-battery-defamation-verdict/index.html |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |work=CNN |language=en}}

Trump spoke at the 2024 Libertarian National Convention in May, becoming the first president to address a third party convention in modern U.S. history.{{Cite news |author=Bowden |first=John |date=May 26, 2024 |title=Trump furiously jeered as he taunts Libertarians for winning '3%' in elections at their convention |url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-libertarian-party-speech-convention-b2551645.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303222241/https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-libertarian-party-speech-convention-b2551645.html |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The Independent}} He urged the Libertarian Party to nominate him lest they "keep getting [their] 3% every four years".{{Cite news |last=The Associated Press |date=May 26, 2024 |title=Trump confronts repeated booing during Libertarian convention speech |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/05/26/g-s1-1061/trump-confronts-repeated-booing-during-libertarian-convention-speech |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330045929/https://www.npr.org/2024/05/26/g-s1-1061/trump-confronts-repeated-booing-during-libertarian-convention-speech |archive-date=March 30, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2024 |work=NPR}} In an attempt to court the crowd, the former President vowed to appoint a Libertarian to his cabinet and commute Ross Ulbricht's prison sentence. However, his speech was blanketed with jeers; one attendee even held up a sign that read "No wannabe dictators!"{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=David |date=May 26, 2024 |title='No wannabe dictators!': Donald Trump booed at Libertarian convention |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/26/no-wannabe-dictators-donald-trump-booed-at-libertarian-convention |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303191853/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/26/no-wannabe-dictators-donald-trump-booed-at-libertarian-convention |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} Biden did not attend the convention. Come nomination day, Trump had been eliminated during balloting, and Chase Oliver was selected as the Libertarian nominee for president.{{Cite news |last=Pellish |first=Aaron |date=May 27, 2024 |title=RFK Jr. loses in first round of Libertarian Party's presidential nomination vote. Trump didn't file paperwork to qualify |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/26/politics/rfk-jr-nominated-libertarian-party/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250110181020/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/26/politics/rfk-jr-nominated-libertarian-party/index.html |archive-date=January 10, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=CNN}}

In May 2024, Trump was convicted of felonies regarding the Stormy Daniels case. This made him the first former U.S. president ever to be convicted of a crime.{{Cite news |last1=Gamio |first1=Lazaro |last2=Yourish |first2=Karen |last3=Haag |first3=Matthew |last4=Bromwich |first4=Jonah E. |last5=Haberman |first5=Maggie |last6=Lai |first6=K.K. Rebecca |date=May 30, 2024 |title=The Trump Manhattan Criminal Verdict, Count By Count |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/30/nyregion/trump-hush-money-verdict.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530210216/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/30/nyregion/trump-hush-money-verdict.html |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-us}}{{Cite news |last1=Sisak |first1=Michael R. |last2=Peltz |first2=Jennifer |last3=Tucker |first3=Eric |last4=Price |first4=Michelle L. |last5=Colvin |first5=Jill |date=May 31, 2024 |title=Guilty: Trump becomes first former US president convicted of felony crimes |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411143716/https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0 |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} After the election, he was given an "unconditional discharge," shielding him from punishment or incarceration.{{Cite news |last=Durkee |first=Alison |date=January 10, 2025 |title=Trump Formally Convicted—But Faces No Punishment |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2025/01/10/trump-not-sentenced-to-any-punishments-in-hush-money-criminal-case/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250415145915/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2025/01/10/trump-not-sentenced-to-any-punishments-in-hush-money-criminal-case/ |archive-date=April 15, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |work=Forbes}}

{{Main article|2024 Joe Biden–Donald Trump presidential debate}}

On June 27, 2024, the first of two debates in the election season took place, with Trump up against Joe Biden.{{Cite news |last=Megerian |first=Chris |date=September 7, 2024 |title=Biden's disastrous debate performance offers lessons for Harris and warnings for Trump |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-debate-d62e8e7281fff34be8925adc9b4e6dc2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201115110/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-debate-d62e8e7281fff34be8925adc9b4e6dc2 |archive-date=February 1, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} The debate was defined by Biden's "disastrous" performance, as he rambled incoherently and repeatedly lost his train of thought. This exacerbated already-existing concerns about the President's fitness to serve.{{Cite news |last=Zurcher |first=Anthony |date=June 28, 2024 |title=Analysis: Biden's incoherent debate performance heightens fears over his age |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgedpw4r5eo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404180850/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgedpw4r5eo |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last=Montanaro |first=Domenico |date=June 28, 2024 |title=4 takeaways from the first presidential debate |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/06/28/g-s1-6953/presidential-debate-analysis-trump-biden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409111646/https://www.npr.org/2024/06/28/g-s1-6953/presidential-debate-analysis-trump-biden |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=NPR}}{{Cite news |last=Greenfield |first=Jeff |date=July 28, 2024 |title=Opinion {{!}} The Worst Debate Performance in American History |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/06/28/worst-debate-performance-history-opinion-00165686 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407192740/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/06/28/worst-debate-performance-history-opinion-00165686 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Politico}} With Trump comfortably proclaimed the winner of the debate{{Cite news |last=Roy |first=Yash |date=June 28, 2024 |title=Trump wins debate poll by nearly 2-1 margin |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4745789-trump-wins-debate-poll-by-nearly-2-1-margin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628211937/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4745789-trump-wins-debate-poll-by-nearly-2-1-margin/ |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The Hill}}{{Cite news |last1=Edwards-Levy |first1=Ariel |last2=Agiesta |first2=Jennifer |date=June 28, 2024 |title=CNN Flash Poll: Majority of debate watchers say Trump outperformed Biden |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/28/politics/debate-poll-cnn-trump-biden/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228053454/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/28/politics/debate-poll-cnn-trump-biden/index.html |archive-date=February 28, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=CNN}}—an Ipsos/FiveThirtyEight poll found that 60% of respondents thought that Trump won, compared with only 21% for his opponent{{Cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Chris |last2=Newall |first2=Mallory |last3=Mendez |first3=Bernard |last4=Sawyer |first4=Johnny |date=June 28, 2024 |title=Biden lost the debate, but Trump didn't win |url=https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/538-ipsos-june-2024-presidential-debate-poll |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250415230751/https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/538-ipsos-june-2024-presidential-debate-poll?__cf_chl_rt_tk=UYxUnbvXBNN11Gz7lOaG0WdCPG5cE5zAAWWJZphwKS8-1744758471-1.0.1.1-KRwSVQSkRPWLB9pwZEdORGlCsK6z_E7wAk0_PznuoOw |archive-date=April 15, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=Ipsos}}—the former President's lead in national polls expanded,{{Cite web |title=2024 General Election: Trump vs. Biden |url=https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/president/general/2024/trump-vs-biden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406045336/https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/president/general/2024/trump-vs-biden |archive-date=April 6, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=RealClearPolling}} and Democratic officials began calling for Biden to drop out of the race.{{Cite news |last1=Stein |first1=Chris |last2=Chao-Fong |first2=Léonie |last3=Belam |first3=Martin |last4=Sullivan and |first4=Helen |last5=Singh |first5=Maanvi |date=June 28, 2024 |title=Calls for Biden to stand aside as surrogates double down in support |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/jun/27/presidential-debate-trump-biden-updates?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-667ea01d8f086bfb3f8f00f0#block-667ea01d8f086bfb3f8f00f0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010004425/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/jun/27/presidential-debate-trump-biden-updates?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-667ea01d8f086bfb3f8f00f0#block-667ea01d8f086bfb3f8f00f0 |archive-date=October 10, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |last=Schnell |first=Mychael |date=July 7, 2024 |title=Senior House Democrats say Biden should step aside during private call |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4758958-biden-democratic-leaders-step-aside/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404200452/https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4758958-biden-democratic-leaders-step-aside/ |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The Hill}}{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=November 6, 2024 |title=A Fumbling Performance, and a Panicking Party |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/27/us/politics/biden-debate-democrats.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411091723/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/27/us/politics/biden-debate-democrats.html |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} Nevertheless, some commentators pointed out that Biden's poor performance merely overshadowed Trump's persistent lying throughout the debate. Doyle McManus of The Los Angeles Times opined that "nobody won, but Biden clearly lost".{{Cite news |last=McManus |first=Doyle |date=June 28, 2024 |title=Column: A tongue-tied octogenarian debates a pathological liar. Nobody won, but Biden clearly lost |url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2024-06-28/biden-trump-debate-who-won-nobody-but-president-lost-ground |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628140057/https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2024-06-28/biden-trump-debate-who-won-nobody-but-president-lost-ground |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Los Angeles Times}}

{{Main articles|Trump v. United States}}

In the legal case Trump v. United States, Trump argued that the Constitution allows for absolute immunity for all presidential actions—even those criminal—unless the Senate successfully votes to impeach.{{cite news |last1=Kruzel |first1=John |last2=Chung |first2=Andrew |date=April 25, 2024 |title=US Supreme Court justices in Trump case lean toward some level of immunity |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-supreme-court-weighs-trumps-bid-immunity-prosecution-2024-04-25/ |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=Reuters}} His argument was rejected by most political commentators and two lower courts. In a unanimous ruling by the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, the court stated that if Trump's theory of constitutional authority were accepted, it would "collapse our system of separated powers" and put a president above the law.{{cite news |last=Dwyer |first=Devin |date=April 24, 2024 |title=Supreme Court to take up Trump's claim of 'absolute immunity' from criminal prosecution |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/supreme-court-takes-trumps-claim-absolute-immunity-criminal/story?id=109251013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424091329/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/supreme-court-takes-trumps-claim-absolute-immunity-criminal/story?id=109251013 |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=ABC News}} Nevertheless, in July 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with Trump in a partisan 6–3 decision. It determined that the Constitution affords the President with absolute immunity for acts within his constitutional purview and presumptive immunity for official acts, but provides no immunity for unofficial acts.{{cite news |last=Hurley |first=Lawrence |date=July 1, 2024 |title=Supreme Court provides win to Trump, ruling he has immunity for many acts in election interference indictment |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-rules-trump-may-immunity-federal-election-inter-rcna149135 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701143716/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-rules-trump-may-immunity-federal-election-inter-rcna149135 |archive-date=July 1, 2024 |access-date=July 1, 2024 |work=NBC News}}

{{Main article|Attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania|Attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Florida}}

{{External media|title=One of Evan Vucci's iconic photographs of Trump following his assassination attempt at Butler|image1={{center|1=[https://cdn.theatlantic.com/thumbor/VfqSTqxolOPzRLk_bhz6Inue6hs=/0x0:4188x2356/1952x1098/media/img/mt/2024/07/AP24195803307155/original.jpg View] – via The Atlantic}}|float=right}}

In the span of three months, Trump faced two assassination attempts. On July 13, 2024, during a rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, he was shot and wounded in the upper right ear. He was escorted out of the venue by U.S. Secret Service.{{Cite news |last=Lowenkron |first=Hadriana |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Trump Rushed Away From Rally With What Looks Like Blood on Ear |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-13/trump-rushed-off-stage-at-pennsylvania-rally |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320013724/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-13/trump-rushed-off-stage-at-pennsylvania-rally |archive-date=March 20, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Bloomberg News}} The Secret Service swiftly killed the identified shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks.{{Cite news |last=Gurman |first=Sadie |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Donald Trump 'Fine' After Shots at Rally; Shooter Reportedly Killed |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/trump-rally-incident/card/secret-service-killed-the-shooter-law-enforcement-says-7yRgx93eeJmSNHl3eraJ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129083423/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/trump-rally-incident/card/secret-service-killed-the-shooter-law-enforcement-says-7yRgx93eeJmSNHl3eraJ |archive-date=November 29, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}{{Cite news |last1=Lowe |first1=Yohannes |last2=Bayer |first2=Lili |last3=Tian |first3=Yang |last4=Stein |first4=Chris |last5=Lawther |first5=Fran |date=July 14, 2024 |title=Trump rally shooting live: Male suspect 'tentatively identified'; FBI confirms incident being treated as assassination attempt |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/jul/13/trump-rally-gun-shots-pennsylvania-latest-updates |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408011206/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/jul/13/trump-rally-gun-shots-pennsylvania-latest-updates |archive-date=April 8, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} In addition, Crooks also shot three other spectators, including 50-year-old firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed instantly.{{Cite news |date=2024-07-14 |title=Trump rally shooter identified as 20-year-old Pennsylvania man |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/trump-rally-shooter-identified-rcna161757 |access-date=2024-07-14 |work=NBC News |language=en}} The assassination attempt was memorialized in a series of photographs by Evan Vucci. These depict Trump being escorted off the podium, with blood coating his cheek, his fist raised defiantly, and an American flag fluttering in the background. Vucci's photographs became a symbol of the campaign.{{Cite news |last=Harper |first=Tyler Austin |date=July 14, 2024 |title=A Legendary American Photograph |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/trump-assassination-attempt-evan-vucci/679011/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250327201649/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/trump-assassination-attempt-evan-vucci/679011/ |archive-date=March 27, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The Atlantic}}{{Cite news |last=Barr |first=Jeremy |date=July 14, 2024 |title='I have to do my job': Photojournalists capture images of Trump shooting |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2024/07/14/trump-shooting-photojournalists/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210120440/https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2024/07/14/trump-shooting-photojournalists/ |archive-date=February 10, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Commentators stated that the attempted assassination helped project Trump as a martyr,{{Cite news |last=Basu |first=Zachary |date=July 14, 2024 |title=Trump's martyr moment: Assassination attempt transforms campaign |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/07/14/trump-assassination-attempt-martyr-rnc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428120102/https://www.axios.com/2024/07/14/trump-assassination-attempt-martyr-rnc |archive-date=April 28, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=Axios}}{{Cite news |last=Zurcher |first=Anthony |date=July 15, 2024 |title=Tragedy at Trump rally upends election campaign - for now |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd172rp02e0o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207163912/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd172rp02e0o |archive-date=February 7, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=BBC News}} with Zachary Basu of Axios writing that it "turbocharge[d] the persecution narrative Trump has placed at the center of his campaign". It also cemented Republican unity behind his campaign.

Later, on September 15, 2024, Trump became the target of a second assassination attempt at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.{{Cite news |last1=Richer |first1=Alanna Durkin |last2=Long |first2=Colleen |last3=Tucker |first3=Eric |last4=Miller |first4=Zeke |last5=Matat |first5=Stephany |date=September 16, 2024 |title=Trump was the subject of an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf club, the FBI says |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410170637/https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9 |archive-date=April 10, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} The secret service agent walking the course before Trump's golf party arrived at the hole and saw a rifle barrel protruding from the bushes which opened fire in that direction. The perpetrator, Ryan Wesley Routh, fled the scene but was quickly apprehended.{{cite news |last1=Bridges |first1=C. A. |last2=Penzenstadler |first2=Nick |last3=Tucker |first3=Grace |date=September 18, 2024 |title=Experts say Trump's would-be assassin had an SKS, not an AK-47. What's the difference? |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2024/09/16/trump-assassination-gun-rifle-sks-ak47-ar15/75251832007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228111508/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2024/09/16/trump-assassination-gun-rifle-sks-ak47-ar15/75251832007/ |archive-date=February 28, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=USA Today}} Routh was eventually charged with attempted first-degree murder and terrorism.{{Cite news |last=Suter |first=Tara |date=April 10, 2025 |title=Florida charges Trump assassination attempt suspect Ryan Routh |url=https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5243928-florida-charges-trump-assassination-attempt-suspect-ryan-routh/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250412112801/https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5243928-florida-charges-trump-assassination-attempt-suspect-ryan-routh/ |archive-date=April 12, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=The Hill}}

File:Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. & Donald Trump (53953048159).jpg at a Trump rally in August 2024, shortly after endorsing him]]

July and August 2024 saw three of the most high profile endorsements of the Trump campaign. Just after the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, tech magnate Elon Musk vowed to support the former President.{{Cite news |last1=Shapero |first1=Julia |last2=Klar |first2=Rebecca |date=July 15, 2022 |title=Elon Musk endorses Trump after attempted assassination of former president |url=https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4772858-musk-trump-endorsement-assassination/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425201943/https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4772858-musk-trump-endorsement-assassination/ |archive-date=April 25, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=The Hill}} He would become the campaign's biggest donor. As the owner of Twitter, Musk weaponized the platform to circulate right-wing talking points and disinformation, and amplify Republican accounts.{{Cite news |last=Mallinder |first=Lorraine |date=November 7, 2024 |title=The Elon Musk effect: How Donald Trump gained from billionaire's support |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/11/7/the-elon-musk-effect-how-donald-trump-gained-from-billionaires-support |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417073546/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/11/7/the-elon-musk-effect-how-donald-trump-gained-from-billionaires-support |archive-date=April 17, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=Al Jazeera}}{{Cite news |last=Ingram |first=David |date=October 31, 2024 |title=How Elon Musk turned X into a pro-Trump echo chamber |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/elon-musk-turned-x-trump-echo-chamber-rcna174321 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428132502/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/elon-musk-turned-x-trump-echo-chamber-rcna174321 |archive-date=April 28, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=NBC News}} In August 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his independent presidential campaign and endorsed Trump.{{Cite news |last=Kuchar |first=Savannah |date=August 23, 2024 |title=RFK Jr. suspends campaign; endorses former President Trump |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/23/rfk-drops-out-2024-supports-donald-trump/74896591007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206234846/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/23/rfk-drops-out-2024-supports-donald-trump/74896591007/ |archive-date=February 6, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}} On the campaign trail, Kennedy's trademark message was "Make America Healthy Again." He and Trump pledged to resolve the chronic disease epidemic by targeting big pharmaceutical companies, ultraprocessed foods, and certain chemical additives to foods.{{Cite news |last1=Payne |first1=Daniel |last2=Schumaker |first2=Erin |last3=Paun |first3=Carmen |last4=Reader |first4=Ruth |date=November 6, 2024 |title=It's a MAHA world now |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/future-pulse/2024/11/06/its-a-maha-world-now-00187574 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307182257/https://www.politico.com/newsletters/future-pulse/2024/11/06/its-a-maha-world-now-00187574 |archive-date=March 7, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Politico}}{{Cite news |last1=Lebowitz |first1=Megan |last2=Traylor |first2=Jake |last3=Tabet |first3=Alex |date=August 24, 2024 |title=RFK Jr. joins Trump onstage at Arizona rally hours after endorsing him |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/future-pulse/2024/11/06/its-a-maha-world-now-00187574 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409112913/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/rfk-jr-joins-trump-onstage-arizona-rally-hours-endorsing-rcna167948 |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=NBC News}}{{Cite news |last1=Stone |first1=Will |last2=Aubrey |first2=Allison |date=November 15, 2024 |title=RFK Jr. wants to 'Make America Healthy Again.' He could face a lot of pushback |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/15/nx-s1-5191947/trump-rfk-health-hhs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405122809/https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/15/nx-s1-5191947/trump-rfk-health-hhs |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=NPR}} Former Representative Tulsi Gabbard soon followed suit. Having previously contested the Democratic nomination in 2020, she switched allegiance to the Republican Party, citing the Biden administration's foreign policy failures and "abuse of power".{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=David |date=August 27, 2024 |title=Ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard endorses Donald Trump in 2024 presidential race |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/26/tulsi-gabbard-endorses-donald-trump |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414161929/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/26/tulsi-gabbard-endorses-donald-trump |archive-date=April 14, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}

{{Main article|Withdrawal of Joe Biden from the 2024 United States presidential election}}

File:Donald Trump Truth Social Post on August 8, 2024—What are the chances that Crooked Joe Biden.jpg lambasting Democrats for launching a "coup" to depose Joe Biden following his withdrawal from the election]]

On July 21, 2024, following his poor debate performance, Biden withdrew from the election. He endorsed Kamala Harris as his replacement.{{Cite news |last=Shear |first=Michael D. |date=July 21, 2024 |title=Live Updates: Biden Drops Out of Presidential Race, Endorses Harris |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/07/21/us/biden-drops-out-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721235316/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/07/21/us/biden-drops-out-election |archive-date=July 21, 2024 |access-date=July 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Zeke |last2=Long |first2=Colleen |last3=Superville |first3=Darlene |date=July 22, 2024 |title=Biden drops out of 2024 race after disastrous debate inflamed age concerns. VP Harris gets his nod |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405125626/https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6 |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} On August 5, she became the Democratic Party's official presidential nominee,{{Cite news |last=Kim |first=Seung Min |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Kamala Harris is now Democratic presidential nominee, will face off against Donald Trump this fall |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405125626/https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250327195712/https://apnews.com/article/harris-democratic-presidential-nomination-eb43b6b346cc644b2d195315cb2bfb20 |archive-date=March 27, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} and Minnesota governor Tim Walz was chosen to be her running mate.{{Cite news |last1=Parnes |first1=Amie |last2=Samuels |first2=Brett |last3=Conradis |first3=Brandon |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Harris picks Walz for vice president |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4789021-kamala-harris-vp-tim-walz-minnesota/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806130648/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4789021-kamala-harris-vp-tim-walz-minnesota/ |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The Hill}} Trump criticized Biden's withdrawal and Harris' subsequent accession without a competitive nominating process, calling it a "coup".{{cite news |last1=Knowles |first1=Hannah |last2=Meckler |first2=Laura |last3=Rozsa |first3=Lori |date=July 26, 2024 |title=Trump calls Harris a 'bum,' complains about Biden's withdrawal |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/26/trump-turning-point-speech-vance/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727082108/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/26/trump-turning-point-speech-vance/ |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 28, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |location=West Palm Beach, Florida |language=en |issn=0190-8286 |oclc=2269358 |quote=The former president urged attendees at a faith-themed event to vote, promising that in four years, 'we'll have it fixed so good you're not going to have to vote.'}}{{cite news |last1=Yourish |first1=Karen |last2=Gamio |first2=Lazaro |date=July 24, 2024 |title='Coup' and 'Cover-Up': How the G.O.P. Is Reacting to the Harris Candidacy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/07/24/us/politics/harris-biden-republican-reactions.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727173918/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/07/24/us/politics/harris-biden-republican-reactions.html |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 28, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}}{{Cite news |last=Klinghard |first=Daniel |date=August 5, 2024 |title=Democratic Party's choice of Harris was undemocratic − and the latest evidence of party leaders distrusting party voters |url=https://theconversation.com/democratic-partys-choice-of-harris-was-undemocratic-and-the-latest-evidence-of-party-leaders-distrusting-party-voters-236002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410151431/https://theconversation.com/democratic-partys-choice-of-harris-was-undemocratic-and-the-latest-evidence-of-party-leaders-distrusting-party-voters-236002 |archive-date=April 10, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The Conversation}} He and his allies would point out that Harris "got zero votes [in the primaries]".{{Cite news |last=Fox News Staff |date=August 23, 2024 |title=SEAN HANNITY: Kamala Harris was coronated after winning zero primary votes |url=https://www.foxnews.com/media/sean-hannity-kamala-harris-coronated-after-winning-zero-primary-votes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116173057/https://www.foxnews.com/media/sean-hannity-kamala-harris-coronated-after-winning-zero-primary-votes |archive-date=November 16, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=Fox News}} Biden's withdrawal reportedly caused problems within Trump's campaign.Multiple sources:

• {{cite news |author=Matt Dixon, Jonathan Allen |date=August 3, 2024 |title=Trump struggles to keep his edge against Harris with fewer than 100 days until the election |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-struggles-keep-edge-harris-fewer-100-days-election-rcna164380 |access-date=August 28, 2024 |work=NBC News |quote=Donald Trump predicted he would face Kamala Harris, but he wasn't ready for the reality of an election reset that put him on his heels.
  The former president is diluting his own message with scattershot attacks on the vice president and, for the first time in his political career, has struggled to stay at the center of national attention.}}
• {{cite news |author=Shane Goldmacher |date=August 11, 2024 |title=Trump Falsely Claims That the Crowds Seen at Harris Rallies Are Fake |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/11/us/politics/trump-harris-crowds-ai.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 28, 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times |quote=Mr. Trump has struggled to find his political footing in the weeks since President Biden decided to step aside and Ms. Harris replaced him atop the Democratic ticket: Mr. Trump questioned Ms. Harris's racial identity at a conference for Black journalists, he later attacked Brian Kemp, the popular Republican governor in the key swing state of Georgia, and he has seen new polling that puts him behind Ms. Harris in several key states.}} {{subscription required}}
• {{cite news |author=Hugo Lowell |date=August 26, 2024 |title=Fears within Trump campaign that palace intrigue could cause distraction |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/26/trump-campaign-palace-intrigue-election |access-date=August 28, 2024 |newspaper=The Guardian |quote=Donald Trump's campaign remains jittery about the prospect of a power struggle inside the inner circle that could become a major distraction just months until the 2024 election, even if the jockeying for influence by top officials has ended with a truce, according to people familiar with the matter.}} In fact, Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan of The New York Times characterized the ensuing situation as the campaign's "worst three weeks".{{cite news |author=Maggie Haberman, Jonathan Swan |date=August 10, 2024 |title=Inside the Worst Three Weeks of Donald Trump's 2024 Campaign |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/10/us/politics/trump-campaign-election.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 26, 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times}} This reflected in national polling. By late August, with Harris as a presidential candidate, polls had her beating Trump by multiple points, giving the Democratic Party back their lead they had lost under Biden.{{Cite news |last=Beaumont |first=Adrian |date=August 25, 2024 |title=Harris gains in US polls during Democratic convention; Labor thumped in NT election |url=https://theconversation.com/harris-gains-in-us-polls-during-democratic-convention-labor-thumped-in-nt-election-237033 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010035934/https://theconversation.com/harris-gains-in-us-polls-during-democratic-convention-labor-thumped-in-nt-election-237033 |archive-date=October 10, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The Conversation}}{{Cite news |last=McHugh |first=Calder |date=August 13, 2024 |title=Harris reset the presidential race. New polls show how. |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-nightly/2024/08/13/harris-reset-the-presidential-race-new-polls-show-how-00173899 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917111957/https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-nightly/2024/08/13/harris-reset-the-presidential-race-new-polls-show-how-00173899 |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=Politico}}{{Cite web |title=2024 National: Trump vs. Harris |url=https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/president/general/2024/trump-vs-harris |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407043640/https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/president/general/2024/trump-vs-harris |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=RealClearPolling}}

{{Main article|Donald Trump Arlington National Cemetery incident}}During the an August 2024 visit at Arlington National Cemetery, Trump's entourage brought in a photographer and videographer to Section 60, to capture promotional content for his campaign. However, such content is not permitted in Section 60. When a cemetery official attempted to stop them, two campaign staffers, Justin Caporale and Michel Picard, pushed and verbally abused him.{{Cite news |last1=Lawrence |first1=Quil |last2=Bowman |first2=Tom |date=August 28, 2024 |title=Trump campaign staff had altercation with official at Arlington National Cemetery |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/08/27/nx-s1-5091154/trump-arlington-cemetery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827231631/https://www.npr.org/2024/08/27/nx-s1-5091154/trump-arlington-cemetery |archive-date=August 27, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=NPR}}{{Cite magazine |last=Ewe |first=Koh |date=August 29, 2024 |title=What to Know About the Controversy Over Trump's Visit to Arlington National Cemetery |url=https://time.com/7015859/donald-trump-arlington-cemetery-visit-incident-altercation-media-campaign-disrespect/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210235154/https://time.com/7015859/donald-trump-arlington-cemetery-visit-incident-altercation-media-campaign-disrespect/ |archive-date=December 10, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |magazine=Time}} Later in August, Trump's campaign released a TikTok video of Trump's Section 60 visit, as well as photos of the former President standing next to graves while smiling and giving a thumbs up.{{Cite news |last=McCullough |first=Colin |date=August 28, 2024 |title=Fresh controversy brews over Trump's Arlington National Cemetery visit |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/28/politics/trump-campaign-arlington-national-cemetery-incident/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231034157/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/28/politics/trump-campaign-arlington-national-cemetery-incident/index.html |archive-date=December 31, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=CNN}}{{Cite web |last=Ibrahim |first=Nur |date=August 28, 2024 |title=Real Photos of Trump Smiling and Giving Thumbs-Up Over Soldiers' Graves? |url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-smiling-thumbs-soldiers-graves/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205082010/https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-smiling-thumbs-soldiers-graves/ |archive-date=December 5, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=Snopes |language=}} Facing criticism,{{Cite news |last=Page |first=Myriam |date=August 29, 2024 |title=Trump faces fresh backlash as he posts campaign video from Arlington cemetery visit |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-arlington-cemetery-incident-video-tiktok-b2603666.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328095334/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-arlington-cemetery-incident-video-tiktok-b2603666.html |archive-date=March 28, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=The Independent |language=}}{{Cite news |last1=Barber |first1=Rachel |last2=Meyer |first2=Josh |last3=Anderson |first3=Zac |last4=Vanden Brook |first4=Tom |date=August 28, 2024 |title='Furious': Veterans slam Trump team's altercation at Arlington National Cemetery |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/28/trump-arlington-cemetery-veterans/74980080007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003124414/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/28/trump-arlington-cemetery-veterans/74980080007/ |archive-date=October 3, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=USA Today |language=}} the campaign denied all wrongdoing. In fact, family members accompanying Trump during the visit had accepted to be "respectfully captured".{{Cite news |last1=Lamothe |first1=Dan |last2=Knowles |first2=Hannah |last3=Horton |first3=Alex |date=August 29, 2024 |title=Trump campaign posts video from Arlington Cemetery after alleged altercation |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/27/trump-arlington-cemetery-npr-incident/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909125216/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/27/trump-arlington-cemetery-npr-incident/ |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language= |issn=}}{{cite news |last1=Kube |first1=Courtney |last2=Traylor |first2=Jake |last3=Uribe |first3=Raquel |date=August 28, 2024 |title=Arlington National Cemetery officials confirm an 'incident' during Trump's visit |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/arlington-national-cemetery-officials-confirm-incident-trump-visit-rcna168549 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303224119/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/arlington-national-cemetery-officials-confirm-incident-trump-visit-rcna168549 |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |access-date=August 30, 2024 |work=NBC News}} Vance criticized the media and Democratic party for "[making] a scandal out of something where there really is none",{{cite news |last1=Kornfield |first1=Meryl |date=August 29, 2024 |title=Vance defends telling Harris to 'go to hell' for nonexistent cemetery criticism |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/29/trump-harris-cemetery-go-to-hell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240830013426/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/29/trump-harris-cemetery-go-to-hell/ |archive-date=August 30, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} adding that "[Harris] wants to yell at Donald Trump because he showed up … She can go to hell." Harris had not yet commented on the incident.{{cite news |last1=Vazquez |first1=Maegan |date=August 29, 2024 |title=Vance tells Harris to 'go to hell' for cemetery criticism she didn't give |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/29/vance-trump-comments-attacks-harris/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240829114445/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/29/vance-trump-comments-attacks-harris/ |archive-date=August 29, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} The U.S. Army issued a statement rebuking the Trump campaign, followed by a similar one from the Defense Department, the Green Beret Foundation, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and VoteVets.org.{{Cite news |last=Britzky |first=Haley |date=August 29, 2024 |title=US Army rebukes Trump campaign for incident at Arlington National Cemetery |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/29/politics/us-army-rebukes-trump-campaign-arlington-incident/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321151942/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/29/politics/us-army-rebukes-trump-campaign-arlington-incident/index.html |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=CNN}}

{{Main article|Foreign interference in the 2024 United States elections}}

File:Donald Trump (53786991212).jpg event in Phoenix, Arizona, in June 2024]]

China, Iran, and Russia all interfered with Trump's campaign and the broader presidential election with their general aim being to spread disinformation and propaganda and, ultimately, foment distrust in the electoral process and discredit American democracy. Networks of fake social media accounts and websites were deployed.{{Cite news |last=Bellamy |first=Daniel |date=November 9, 2024 |title=Russia, China and Iran spread misinformation during US election |url=https://www.euronews.com/2024/11/09/russia-china-and-iran-spread-misinformation-during-us-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113040947/https://www.euronews.com/2024/11/09/russia-china-and-iran-spread-misinformation-during-us-election |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Euronews}}{{Cite news |last1=Frenkel |first1=Sheera |last2=Hsu |first2=Tiffany |last3=Myers |first3=Steven Lee |date=October 29, 2024 |title=How Russia, China and Iran Are Interfering in the Presidential Election |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/29/technology/election-interference-russia-china-iran.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409103436/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/29/technology/election-interference-russia-china-iran.html |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite news |last=Menn |first=Joseph |date=September 23, 2024 |title=Russia, Iran use AI to boost anti-U.S. influence campaigns, officials say |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/09/23/us-election-foreign-influence-russia-china-iran-ai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924000713/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/09/23/us-election-foreign-influence-russia-china-iran-ai/ |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} These networks, described by The New York Times as "sophisticated," were state-run and targeted at particular voter demographics. China, through its Spamouflauge influence operation, promoted fabricated content related to divisive political issues, such as that of pro-Palestine protesters. It created fake pro-Trump accounts,{{Cite news |last1=Hsu |first1=Tiffany |last2=Myers |first2=Steven Lee |date=April 1, 2024 |title=China's Advancing Efforts to Influence the U.S. Election Raise Alarms |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/01/business/media/china-online-disinformation-us-election.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403091121/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/01/business/media/china-online-disinformation-us-election.html |archive-date=April 3, 2024 |access-date=April 3, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} but its interference in the election did not necessarily favor any particular candidate. In August 2024, Trump's campaign confirmed that it had been hacked by Iranian operatives. According to a Microsoft report issued the previous day, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence unit conducted a spear phishing attack.{{Cite news |last=Isenstadt |first=Alex |date=August 10, 2024 |title=We received internal Trump documents from 'Robert.' The campaign just confirmed it was hacked. |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/10/trump-campaign-hack-00173503 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328104342/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/10/trump-campaign-hack-00173503 |archive-date=March 28, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=Politico}}{{Cite news |last=Sabin |first=Sam |date=August 9, 2024 |title=Iranian hackers target U.S. presidential campaign official, Microsoft says |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/08/09/iran-presidential-campaign-2024-hacking |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206122015/https://www.axios.com/2024/08/09/iran-presidential-campaign-2024-hacking |archive-date=February 6, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=Axios}} Iran attempted to tip the race in Biden and Harris' favor, even though they too were targeted in disinformation campaigns.{{Cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Steven Lee |last2=Hsu |first2=Tiffany |last3=Fassihi |first3=Farnaz |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Iran Emerges as a Top Disinformation Threat in U.S. Presidential Race |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/04/business/media/iran-disinformation-us-presidential-race.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904160052/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/04/business/media/iran-disinformation-us-presidential-race.html/ |archive-date=September 4, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} Russia disseminated Trump-aligned content, such as a video purporting to show voter fraud in Georgia, to aid the former President's effort. Analysts noted his campaign had taken a softer stance on helping Ukraine in its war with Russia relative to Harris'.

{{Main article|2024 United States presidential debates#September 10: Second presidential debate (ABC, Philadelphia)}}

File:Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in 2024.png, Democratic candidates Kamala Harris and Tim Walz ]]

On September 10, 2024, Trump debated Harris in the second and final presidential debate of the election season, and the only debate between the two candidates.{{Cite news |date=September 11, 2024 |title=Takeaways from the Trump/Harris presidential debate |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/daily-news-lessons/2024/09/takeaways-from-the-trumpharris-presidential-debate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122194851/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/daily-news-lessons/2024/09/takeaways-from-the-trumpharris-presidential-debate |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=PBS News Hour}}{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Graeme |date=September 11, 2024 |title=Six highlights from Harris-Trump debate |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxl15ppvzgo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226155036/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxl15ppvzgo |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=BBC News}} He had previously been reluctant to attend another debate unless hosed by Fox News,{{Cite news |last=Haworth |first=Jon |date=August 3, 2024 |title=Trump says he agreed to Fox News debate on Sept. 4 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-agrees-fox-news-debate-kamala-harris-sept/story?id=112533650 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803070956/https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-agrees-fox-news-debate-kamala-harris-sept/story?id=112533650 |archive-date=August 3, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=ABC News}} but eventually relented in August.{{Cite news |last1=Colvin |first1=Jill |last2=Price |first2=Michelle L. |last3=Licon |first3=Adriana Gomez |date=August 9, 2024 |title=Trump recommits to a Sept. 10 debate and lashes out at Harris at news conference |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-news-conference-florida-election-2024-94b590ddf0434d9ea7b1241396dbbcc6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809105416/https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-news-conference-florida-election-2024-94b590ddf0434d9ea7b1241396dbbcc6 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} During the debate, Trump made several "extreme" false claims.{{Cite news |last=Ulmer |first=Alexandra |date=September 11, 2024 |title=At debate, Trump shares falsehoods about pet-eating, infanticide |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/debate-trump-shares-falsehoods-about-pet-eating-infanticide-2024-09-11/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307185136/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/debate-trump-shares-falsehoods-about-pet-eating-infanticide-2024-09-11/ |archive-date=March 7, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Reuters}} He alleged that some states allowed post-birth abortions, and that Haitian migrants in Springfield were looting and eating residents' pets. This prompted the debate moderators to fact check him. In response, Trump and his allies criticized these fact checks as "unfair",{{Cite news |last=Bauder |first=David |date=September 11, 2024 |title=As Trump and Harris spar, ABC's moderators grapple with conducting a debate in a polarized country |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-abc-muir-debate-80459d35f25c8fd3207c558bdb7e2339 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411073346/https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-abc-muir-debate-80459d35f25c8fd3207c558bdb7e2339 |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last1=Ngo |first1=Emily |last2=Leonard |first2=Kimberly |last3=Allison |first3=Natalie |last4=Piper |first4=Jessica |last5=Otterbein |first5=Holly |date=September 11, 2024 |title=Republicans have an answer for Trump's poor debate performance |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/11/republicans-blame-moderators-trump-debate-performance-00178591 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404024448/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/11/republicans-blame-moderators-trump-debate-performance-00178591 |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Politico}} especially in light of the fact that Harris too lied and yet was never fact checked.{{Cite news |last=Kessler |first=Glenn |date=September 11, 2024 |title=Fact-checking 55 suspect claims, mostly Trump's, in debate with Harris |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/09/11/fact-check-presidential-debate-harris-trump/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114190047/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/09/11/fact-check-presidential-debate-harris-trump/ |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Subsequent polling overwhelmingly concluded that Trump lost,{{Cite news |last=Shepard |first=Steven |date=September 11, 2024 |title=CNN instant poll: Kamala Harris ran away with it |url=https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/09/10/trump-harris-presidential-debate-tonight/cnn-flash-poll-harris-won-00178566 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225082844/https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/09/10/trump-harris-presidential-debate-tonight/cnn-flash-poll-harris-won-00178566 |archive-date=February 25, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |newspaper=Politico}}{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2024 |title=Regardless of which presidential candidate you prefer, who do you think won the debate? |url=https://today.yougov.com/topics/politics/survey-results/daily/2024/09/11/c7861/2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911111217/https://today.yougov.com/topics/politics/survey-results/daily/2024/09/11/c7861/2 |archive-date=September 11, 2024 |accessdate=September 11, 2024 |website=YouGov}}{{Cite news |last=Zogby |first=John |date=September 14, 2024 |title=The polling is in and Harris won the debate. But Democrats shouldn't get cocky |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/14/harris-poll-debate-win-democrats |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930151723/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/14/harris-poll-debate-win-democrats |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} with Reuters, for instance, finding that only 24% of respondents thought that he won, as opposed to 53% for Harris.{{Cite news |last=Lange |first=Jason |date=September 25, 2024 |title=Exclusive: Harris widens lead over Trump to 47%-40%, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/harris-builds-lead-over-trump-voters-see-her-debate-winner-reutersipsos-poll-2024-09-12/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407043657/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/harris-builds-lead-over-trump-voters-see-her-debate-winner-reutersipsos-poll-2024-09-12/ |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Reuters}} Even Fox News writer Doug Schoen considered Harris the "clear winner".{{Cite news |last=Schoen |first=Doug |date=September 10, 2024 |title=In the Trump-Harris faceoff there was a clear winner but don't believe this election is over |url=https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/trump-harris-face-off-there-clear-winner-dont-believe-election-over |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250323055743/https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/trump-harris-face-off-there-clear-winner-dont-believe-election-over |archive-date=March 23, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Fox News}} Trump's brazenly false statements, constant dwelling on the past, such as his claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election, and overall irascible and uncomfortable demeanor, were the preeminent cited reasons for his loss.{{Cite news |last=Prest |first=Stewart |date=September 12, 2024 |title=How Kamala Harris won the U.S. presidential debate against Donald Trump |url=https://theconversation.com/how-kamala-harris-won-the-u-s-presidential-debate-against-donald-trump-238857 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307194316/https://theconversation.com/how-kamala-harris-won-the-u-s-presidential-debate-against-donald-trump-238857 |archive-date=March 7, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The Conversation}} Nonetheless, the debate's impact on the race was questionable. Polling numbers for both candidates did not change much following the debate, with Harris acquiring a minor gain.{{Cite web |last1=Orth |first1=Taylor |last2=Bialik |first2=Carl |date=September 18, 2024 |title=How views of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump changed after their debate |url=https://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/50548-how-views-of-kamala-harris-and-donald-trump-changed-after-their-debate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410141902/https://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/50548-how-views-of-kamala-harris-and-donald-trump-changed-after-their-debate |archive-date=April 10, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=YouGov}} Later on, Trump confirmed that he would not participate in another debate.{{Cite news |last1=Debusmann Jr. |first1=Bernd |last2=Drenon |first2=Brandon |date=September 22, 2024 |title=Trump rejects second TV debate as 'too late' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyejk91d2qo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250326140031/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyejk91d2qo |archive-date=March 26, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=BBC News}}

{{Main|Kamala is for they/them}}

{{External video|title=Trump's "Kamala is for they/them" Advertisement|video1={{center|1=[https://www.instagram.com/realdonaldtrump/reel/DAI3nriuPxw/ View] – via Trump's official Instagram account}}}}

In late September 2024, Trump's campaign launched a 30-second advertisement excoriating Harris for supporting taxpayer-funded sex changes for prisoners. It features footage of her saying so in a 2019 interview. Notably, it concludes with the narrator declaring, "Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you". This was one of several Trump ads painting his opponent as an out-of-touch radical and playing on Americans' general skepticism over transgender rights.{{Cite news |last=Bender |first=Michael C. |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Inside a Trump Ad Ridiculing Harris Over Taxpayer-Paid Gender Transition Surgery |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/25/us/politics/trump-ad-anti-trans-harris.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407161534/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/25/us/politics/trump-ad-anti-trans-harris.html |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}{{cite news |last1=Tomlinson |first1=Hugh |date=November 15, 2024 |title=The two sentences that doomed Kamala Harris's campaign |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/kamala-harris-trans-gender-democrat-election-campaign-kvzqz9d6c |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208122717/https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/kamala-harris-trans-gender-democrat-election-campaign-kvzqz9d6c |archive-date=February 8, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The Times}}{{Cite news |last=Dodds |first=Io |date=December 1, 2024 |title=Trump's blitz of anti-trans ads probably worked – but not for the reason you might think |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-anti-trans-campaign-adverts-b2654925.html |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313203822/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-anti-trans-campaign-adverts-b2654925.html |archive-date=March 13, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=The Independent}} It, and its variations, aired over 30,000 times.{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Susan |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Republican campaigns have been blanketing the airwaves with anti-trans ads |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/11/nx-s1-5148774/republican-campaigns-have-been-blanketing-the-airwaves-with-anti-trans-ads |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116140233/https://www.npr.org/2024/10/11/nx-s1-5148774/republican-campaigns-have-been-blanketing-the-airwaves-with-anti-trans-ads |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=NPR}} In retrospect, many commentators considered it one of the most effective ads of the election season. Future Forward, a Democratic Super PAC, found that the it shifted the race by 2.7 percentage points after viewers watched it, although other analyses showed mixed results.{{Cite news |last=Crowley |first=Kinsey |date=October 26, 2024 |title=Recent blitz of anti-trans ads attacks Harris. Advocates question their effectiveness, call them harmful. |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/10/26/trans-ads-trump-harris/75791374007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210090835/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/10/26/trans-ads-trump-harris/75791374007/ |archive-date=February 10, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=USA Today}}

In October 2024, Trump appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), the most popular podcast in the U.S. The interview covered a wide range of issues, political: the 2020 election, Kim Jong Un, and apolitical: aliens, The Apprentice, et cetera.{{Cite news |last=Dean |first=Grace |date=October 26, 2024 |title=In three-hour Rogan interview, Trump reveals 'biggest mistake' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8nn0913e8o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201151300/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8nn0913e8o |archive-date=February 1, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2024 |work=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Stephen |date=October 26, 2024 |title=Trump spent 3 hours on Joe Rogan's podcast. Here's what he did — and didn't — say |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/26/g-s1-30151/trump-joe-rogan-experience-podcast-traverse-city-michigan-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405083148/https://www.npr.org/2024/10/26/g-s1-30151/trump-joe-rogan-experience-podcast-traverse-city-michigan-election |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=NPR}} Trump had already committed much time to podcasts, including Theo Von's and Logan Paul's—to a greater extent than Harris. The JRE appearance helped him appeal to young male voters.{{Cite news |last=Cabral |first=Sam |date=October 25, 2024 |title=Joe Rogan's path to a once-improbable Trump interview |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr4dnv91p7o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126173112/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr4dnv91p7o |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=BBC News}} Within a day, it had amassed 27 million views on YouTube,{{Cite news |last=Brandon |first=John |date=October 27, 2024 |title=President Trump Appearing On The Joe Rogan Podcast Is Blowing Up On X |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnbbrandon/2024/10/27/president-trump-appearing-on-the-joe-rogan-podcast-is-blowing-up-on-x/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123035756/https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnbbrandon/2024/10/27/president-trump-appearing-on-the-joe-rogan-podcast-is-blowing-up-on-x/ |archive-date=January 23, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Forbes}} more than the opening game of the World Series.{{Cite news |last=Srivastava |first=Aditi |date=October 27, 2024 |title=Trump on Rogan breaks YouTube with record global views in just 20 hours |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/trump-on-rogan-breaks-youtube-with-record-global-views-in-just-20-hours-101730015888424.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204084400/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/trump-on-rogan-breaks-youtube-with-record-global-views-in-just-20-hours-101730015888424.html |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Hindustan Times}}

{{Main|2024 Donald Trump rally at Madison Square Garden}}

Trump held his last major campaign event at Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, one week before the election.{{cite news |last1=Colvin |first1=Jill |last2=Price |first2=Michelle L. |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Trump's Madison Square Garden event features crude and racist insults |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-madison-square-garden-new-york-election-fcfe75be7f8281fde7bffa3adb3bba5d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250412171548/https://apnews.com/article/trump-madison-square-garden-new-york-election-fcfe75be7f8281fde7bffa3adb3bba5d |archive-date=April 12, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last1=Gabbatt |first1=Adam |last2=Pilkington |first2=Ed |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Trump fills Madison Square Garden with anger, vitriol and racist threats |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/27/trump-madison-square-garden-rally |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402182856/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/27/trump-madison-square-garden-rally |archive-date=April 2, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |last=Collinson |first=Stephen |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Trump unveils the most extreme closing argument in modern presidential history |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/28/politics/trump-extreme-closing-argument/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404234119/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/28/politics/trump-extreme-closing-argument/index.html |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=CNN}} Among its featured speakers were comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who prominently called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage," suggested that Harris had worked as a prostitute, and stated that he and one of his black friends had "carved watermelons" together, as well as Trump's friend David Rem, who referred to Harris as "the Antichrist". The rally was noted for its vicious rhetoric; Democrats tied it to a Nazi rally held at the same venue in 1939.{{Cite news |last=Cathey |first=Libby |date=October 27, 2024 |title=DNC projects message tying Trump to Hitler on Madison Square Garden during rally |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-madison-square-garden-rally-dnc-projections/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250331231040/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-madison-square-garden-rally-dnc-projections/ |archive-date=March 31, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=CBS News}}{{Cite news |last=Yang |first=Angela |date=October 30, 2024 |title=Comedians criticize Tony Hinchcliffe's jokes at Trump rally |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/tony-hinchcliffe-criticized-by-comedians-rcna177862 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218165224/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/tony-hinchcliffe-criticized-by-comedians-rcna177862 |archive-date=February 18, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=NBC News}} The New York Times labelled Trump's rally as a "Closing Carnival of Grievances, Misogyny and Racism".{{Cite news |last1=Goldmacher |first1=Shane |last2=Haberman |first2=Maggie |last3=Gold |first3=Michael |date=October 27, 2024 |title=Trump at the Garden: A Closing Carnival of Grievances, Misogyny and Racism |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/27/us/trump-msg-rally.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402205441/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/27/us/trump-msg-rally.html |archive-date=April 2, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} Hinchcliffe's comments, particularly the "floating island of garbage" remark, proved especially controversial. He responded to Democratic outcry on Twitter, stating they "have no sense of humor" and that he was merely calling out Puerto Rico's landfill problem.

{{External video|title=Video of Trump's shift at McDonald's|video1={{center|1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCFE24BtqGo View] – via WFAA on YouTube}}}}

In the final days of the campaign, Trump staged two stunts. First, in late October, he worked a half-hour staged shift at McDonald's serving fries. This was done as a response to Harris' claimed time working at the fast food chain while in college, which Trump denied.{{Cite news |last1=Price |first1=Michelle L. |last2=Levy |first2=Marc |date=October 21, 2024 |title=Trump works the fry station and holds a drive-thru news conference at a Pennsylvania McDonald's |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-mcdonalds-2024-presidential-election-pennsylvania-73e55c8c1db4adc2a547b62bd5142be3# |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406034206/https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-mcdonalds-2024-presidential-election-pennsylvania-73e55c8c1db4adc2a547b62bd5142be3 |archive-date=April 6, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last=Mahdawi |first=Arwa |date=October 22, 2024 |title=McDonald Trump had a shift serving fries. Will the stunt supersize his base? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/oct/22/trump-mcdonalds-shift-supporters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315113329/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/oct/22/trump-mcdonalds-shift-supporters |archive-date=March 15, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} With the stunt, Trump "troll[ed]" her and "cosplay[ed] as a minimum wage worker". Writing for The Spectator, Juan P. Villasmil remarked that the visit managed to cast doubt on his opponent's working-class appeal.{{Cite news |last=Villasmil |first=Juan P. |date=October 20, 2024 |title=The brilliance of Trump's McDonald's stunt |url=https://thespectator.com/politics/brilliance-donald-trumps-mcdonalds-stunt/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110224750/https://thespectator.com/politics/brilliance-donald-trumps-mcdonalds-stunt/ |archive-date=November 10, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2024 |work=The Spectator}} On the other hand, Jonathan Cohn in a New Republic podcast considered it "almost too casual, it’s a bit insulting".{{Cite magazine |last=The Daily Blast with Greg Sargent |date=October 22, 2024 |title=Transcript: Trump's Bizarre Stunt at McDonald's Blows Up in His Face |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/187377/transcript-trumps-bizarre-stunt-mcdonalds-blows-face |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212161958/https://newrepublic.com/article/187377/transcript-trumps-bizarre-stunt-mcdonalds-blows-face |archive-date=February 12, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |magazine=The New Republic}} A few days later, Trump, dressed in a bright orange vest, rode on a personalized garbage truck. This too served to counter a Democratic opponent's statement, namely, Biden calling Trump's supporters "garbage." He subsequently held a rally donning the vest.{{Cite news |last=Stein |first=Chris |date=October 31, 2024 |title=Trump stages garbage truck stunt in bid to turn tables over Puerto Rico backlash |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/31/trump-puts-on-high-vis-vest-to-trash-bidens-garbage-gaffe-at-wisconsin-rally |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410110716/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/31/trump-puts-on-high-vis-vest-to-trash-bidens-garbage-gaffe-at-wisconsin-rally |archive-date=April 10, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |last=Cleave |first=Iona |date=October 31, 2024 |title=Watch: Donald Trump mocks Joe Biden with garbage truck stunt |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2024/10/31/video-donald-trump-mocks-joe-biden-with-garbage-truck-stunt/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214195855/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2024/10/31/video-donald-trump-mocks-joe-biden-with-garbage-truck-stunt/ |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}

Trump held his final campaign rally at Grand Rapids, Michigan, on the day before the election.{{Cite news |last1=Shivaram |first1=Deepa |last2=Ordoñez |first2=Franco |last3=Khalid |first3=Asma |last4=Kurtzleben |first4=Danielle |last5=Fowler |first5=Stephen |date=November 5, 2024 |title=Harris and Trump race to the finish line with one last burst of rallies |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/11/04/nx-s1-5177397/2024-election-trump-harris |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250412221415/https://www.npr.org/2024/11/04/nx-s1-5177397/2024-election-trump-harris |archive-date=April 12, 2025 |access-date=May 4, 2025 |work=NPR}}{{Cite news |last1=Burns |first1=Dasha |last2=Doyle |first2=Katherine |last3=Smith |first3=Allan |last4=Frankel |first4=Jillian |last5=Barnett |first5=Emma |date=November 4, 2024 |title=A fixture of American politics for nearly a decade, Trump rallies are coming to an end |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-rallies-are-coming-end-rcna178736 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401121144/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-rallies-are-coming-end-rcna178736 |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=May 4, 2025 |work=NBC}} At this point, he and Harris were roughly even in the polls,{{Cite news |last=Allen |first=Jonathan |date=November 4, 2024 |title=Trump's loose-cannon rallies clash with Harris' cautious endgame |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trumps-loose-cannon-rallies-harris-cautious-endgame-rcna178460 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250415200558/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trumps-loose-cannon-rallies-harris-cautious-endgame-rcna178460 |archive-date=April 15, 2025 |access-date=May 4, 2025 |work=NBC News}}{{Cite news |last=The Visual Journalism & Data Teams |date=November 5, 2024 |title=US election polls: Who is ahead - Harris or Trump? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj4x71znwxdo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425204020/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj4x71znwxdo |archive-date=April 25, 2025 |access-date=May 4, 2025 |work=BBC News}} with the gap between the two candidates produced in the aftermath of Biden's withdrawal having significantly narrowed. To close off nine years of campaigning, Trump delivered one last message to his supporters,

{{Block quote|text=Almost everybody is here. I have people that have been to more than 300 rallies. They're here tonight. They were at the one this morning and the one tonight. They actually missed two of them. I can't even believe it. But these are incredible people and incredible patriots. But we stand on the verge of the four greatest years in American history. With your help, we will restore America's promise that we will take back the nation that we love. We love this nation. We are one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God. We will never give in. We will never give up. We will never back down, and we will never, ever surrender. Together, we will fight, fight, fight, and we will win, win, win. November 5th today will be the most important day in the history of our country. And together, we will make America powerful again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America healthy again. Bobby Kennedy Jr. We will make America strong again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. And we will make America great again. I love you. I love you all.{{cite web |title=Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Campaign Rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan - November 4, 2024 |url=https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-grand-rapids-michigan-november-4-2024/ |website=Roll Call |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424121013/https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-campaign-rally-grand-rapids-michigan-november-4-2024/ |archive-date=April 24, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025}}}}

{{main|Nationwide opinion polling for the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries|Statewide opinion polling for the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries}}

File:Nationwide opinion polling for the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries.svg

{{main|Nationwide opinion polling for the 2024 United States presidential election|Statewide opinion polling for the 2024 United States presidential election}}

File:2024 United States presidential election (Trump-Harris) polling (2024 polls only).svg

File:2024 United States presidential election (Trump-Biden) polling.svg

{{Main|2024 United States presidential election}}

File:ElectoralCollege2024.svg results of the 2024 presidential election; Trump won a majority of 312 votes]]

Donald Trump's campaign was successful. He won the 2024 presidential election with 312 electoral votes and 49.8% of the popular vote.{{Cite web |date=January 16, 2025 |title=2024 Presidential Election Results |url=https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/2024presgeresults.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407144112/https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/2024presgeresults.pdf |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |publisher=Federal Election Commission}} He carried 31 states out of 50,{{cite news |last=Haddad |first=Mohammed |date=November 10, 2024 |title=US election results map 2024: How does it compare to 2020 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/10/us-election-results-map-2024-how-does-it-compare-to-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303222738/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/10/us-election-results-map-2024-how-does-it-compare-to-2020 |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Al Jazeera}} including all seven swing states.{{Cite news |last=Lotz |first=Avery |date=November 10, 2024 |title=Trump officially sweeps all 7 swing states |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/11/10/trump-sweeps-seven-swing-states |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322033430/https://www.axios.com/2024/11/10/trump-sweeps-seven-swing-states |archive-date=March 22, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Axios}} One of them, Nevada, had last gone to the Republican candidate in 2004.{{Cite news |last=Lopez |first=Ashley |date=November 9, 2024 |title=Donald Trump wins Nevada |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/11/09/g-s1-33582/donald-trump-wins-nevada |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215185219/https://www.npr.org/2024/11/09/g-s1-33582/donald-trump-wins-nevada |archive-date=February 15, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=NPR}} Trump's victory was "decisive";{{Cite news |last=Peoples |first=Steve |date=November 6, 2024 |title=Election takeaways: Trump's decisive victory in a deeply divided nation |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-presidential-election-takeaways-d0e4677f4cd53b4d2d8d18d674be5bf4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410060921/https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-presidential-election-takeaways-d0e4677f4cd53b4d2d8d18d674be5bf4 |archive-date=April 10, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last=Livesay |first=Brandon |date=November 7, 2024 |title=Donald Trump sweeps to victory |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/czxrnw5qrprt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403130350/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/czxrnw5qrprt |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last=Stein |first=Chris |date=November 28, 2024 |title=Trump victory not a mandate for radical change, top election forecaster says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/28/trump-victory-election-forecast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409220533/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/28/trump-victory-election-forecast |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} he was the first Republican since George W. Bush in 2004 to win the national popular vote,{{Cite news |last=Jachim |first=Nick |date=November 6, 2024 |title=When was the last time the Republican Party won the popular vote? |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/4976301-when-was-the-last-time-the-republican-party-won-the-popular-vote/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403021022/https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/4976301-when-was-the-last-time-the-republican-party-won-the-popular-vote/ |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The Hill}} as well as the first non-incumbent Republican since George H. W. Bush in 1988 to do so.{{cite news |last=Bigg |first=Matthew |date=November 6, 2024 |title=Trump Is on Track to Win the Popular Vote |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/07/us/politics/trump-popular-vote-election-2024.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241111074742/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/07/us/politics/trump-popular-vote-election-2024.html |archive-date=November 11, 2024 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times}} All 50 states, including Washington D.C., shifted to the Republican Party since the 2020 presidential election.{{Cite news |last=Skelley |first=Geoffrey |date=December 10, 2024 |title=America's swing to the right in 2024 was wide, if not always deep |url=https://abcnews.go.com/538/americas-swing-2024-wide-deep/story?id=116639076 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405221032/https://abcnews.go.com/538/americas-swing-2024-wide-deep/story?id=116639076 |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=ABC News}} However, Trump's triumph was not a landslide.{{Cite news |last=FitzGerald |first=James |date=November 23, 2024 |title=Just how big was Donald Trump's election victory? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn5w9w160xdo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328085623/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn5w9w160xdo |archive-date=March 28, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=Zachary B. |date=November 9, 2024 |title=Trump's win was real but not a landslide. Here's where it ranks |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/09/politics/donald-trump-election-what-matters/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403211140/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/09/politics/donald-trump-election-what-matters/index.html |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=CNN}}{{Cite news |last1=Haidar |first1=Mark |last2=Calvelli |first2=Aidan |date=January 20, 2025 |title=A landslide? Just 0.15 percent of all voters determined Trump's 2024 victory |url=https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/5094602-a-landslide-just-0-15-percent-of-all-voters-determined-trumps-2024-victory/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330194046/https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/5094602-a-landslide-just-0-15-percent-of-all-voters-determined-trumps-2024-victory/ |archive-date=March 30, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The Hill}} He only won a plurality of the popular vote, with his 49.8% total being one of the slimmest of a winning candidate in American history.{{Cite news |last=Bump |first=Philip |date=November 18, 2024 |title=Trump's 2024 'mandate' isn't as robust as Biden's was in 2020 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/11/18/trumps-2024-mandate-isnt-robust-bidens-was-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405035746/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/11/18/trumps-2024-mandate-isnt-robust-bidens-was-2020/ |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

File:Donald Trump 2nd Inauguration.jpg on January 20, 2025 as the 47th president of the United States]]

Trump became the second president to be reelected to a non-consecutive term, after Grover Cleveland in 1892.{{Cite news |last=Hajela |first=Deepti |date=November 6, 2024 |title=Trump isn't first to be second: Grover Cleveland set precedent of nonconsecutive presidential terms |url=https://apnews.com/article/grover-cleveland-president-nonconsecutive-terms-7ea2c92c72911462ccb1bc2e7352fa23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405103418/https://apnews.com/article/grover-cleveland-president-nonconsecutive-terms-7ea2c92c72911462ccb1bc2e7352fa23 |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} Aged 78 on election day, he remains the oldest candidate ever elected to the presidency.{{Cite news |last1=Bisset |first1=Victoria |last2=Dormido |first2=Hannah |last3=Valiño |first3=Álvaro |date=November 8, 2024 |title=Trump is the oldest person to be elected president: U.S. presidents, by age |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/11/08/oldest-us-presidents-trump/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229011257/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/11/08/oldest-us-presidents-trump/ |archive-date=December 29, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} JD Vance became the first Ohio native to be elected to the vice presidency since Charles Dawes in 1924, the first veteran since Al Gore in 1992, as well as the first to have facial hair since Charles Curtis in 1928.{{Cite news |last=Brito |first=Christopher |date=July 16, 2024 |title=JD Vance could become first vice president with facial hair in decades |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jd-vance-vice-president-beard-facial-hair-donald-trump/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128004524/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jd-vance-vice-president-beard-facial-hair-donald-trump/ |archive-date=January 28, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=CBS News}} Trump was inaugurated on January 20, 2025 as the 47th president of the United States, and Vance, as the 50th vice president of the United States.{{Cite news |last1=Encinas |first1=Amaris |last2=Walrath-Holdridge |first2=Mary |date=January 16, 2025 |title=Trump, Vance portraits released ahead of Inauguration Day 2025: See the photos |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/16/donald-trump-jd-vance-portraits/77747945007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414201221/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/16/donald-trump-jd-vance-portraits/77747945007/ |archive-date=April 14, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=USA Today}}

{{This section needs expansion|date=April 2025}}

{{Portal|2020s|Conservatism|Politics|United States}}

• Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign
• Joe Biden 2024 presidential campaign
• Donald Trump 2000 presidential campaign
• Donald Trump 2016 presidential campaign
• Donald Trump 2020 presidential campaign

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|group=upper-alpha}}

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin|35em}}

• {{Cite journal |last1=Arceneaux |first1=Kevin |last2=Truex |first2=Rory |year=2023 |title=Donald Trump and the Lie

|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/perspectives-on-politics/article/donald-trump-and-the-lie/A438DF5A45FE78CB2BC887859EFAB587 |journal=Perspectives on Politics |volume=21 |issue=3 |pages=863–879 |doi=10.1017/S1537592722000901 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250326220526/https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/perspectives-on-politics/article/donald-trump-and-the-lie/A438DF5A45FE78CB2BC887859EFAB587 |archive-date=March 26, 2025 |via=Cambridge University Press}}

• {{cite journal|last1=Dodds |first1=Graham G. |last2=Kelley |first2=Christopher S. |title=Presidential Leadership and the Unitary Executive Theory: Temptations and Troubles |year=2024 |journal=Leadership and Politics |series=Springer Studies on Populism, Identity Politics and Social Justice |pages=537–553 |doi=10.1007/978-3-031-56415-4_22 |isbn=978-3-031-56414-7 |editor-last=Akande |editor-first=Adebowale |url=https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-031-56415-4_22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926133954/https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-56415-4_22 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |url-status=live |via=Springer Nature}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Hass |first1=Nathaniel |last2=Krumm |first2=Reinhard |last3=Murray |first3=Marlies |last4=Panknin |first4=Knut |last5=Tyler |first5=Hannah |year=2025 |title=Disruptor-in-Chief: A Mandate for Radical Change?: Analysis of the American Presidential Election|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep67574 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502192918/https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep67574 |archive-date=May 2, 2025 |publisher=Friedrich Ebert Foundation |via=JSTOR |ref={{harvid|Hass et al.|2025}}}}
• {{Cite journal |last1=Moniz |first1=Philip |last2=Swann |first2=William B. |year=2025 |title=The Power of Trump's Big Lie: Identity Fusion, Internalizing Misinformation, and Support for Trump |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/ps-political-science-and-politics/article/power-of-trumps-big-lie-identity-fusion-internalizing-misinformation-and-support-for-trump/AF2A0DBE08319E0E3944825E187EDBCC |journal=PS: Political Science & Politics |pages=1–6 |doi=10.1017/S1049096524001203 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250316011838/https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/ps-political-science-and-politics/article/power-of-trumps-big-lie-identity-fusion-internalizing-misinformation-and-support-for-trump/AF2A0DBE08319E0E3944825E187EDBCC |archive-date=March 16, 2025 |via=Cambridge University Press}}
• {{cite journal |last1=Pion-Berlin |first1=David |last2=Bruneau |first2=Thomas |last3=Goetze |first3=Richard B. |year=2022 |title=The Trump Self-Coup Attempt: Comparisons and Civil–Military Relations |journal=Government and Opposition |volume=58 |issue=4 |pages=789–806 |doi=10.1017/gov.2022.13 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/government-and-opposition/article/trump-selfcoup-attempt-comparisons-and-civilmilitary-relations/16D5EF307C7DF49FCE86948D1569B014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414115901/https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/government-and-opposition/article/trump-selfcoup-attempt-comparisons-and-civilmilitary-relations/16D5EF307C7DF49FCE86948D1569B014 |archive-date=April 14, 2025 |via=Cambridge University Press|ref={{harvid|Pion-Berlin et al.|2022}}}}
• {{Cite journal |last=Singam|first=Kalicharan Veera |year=2024 |title=2024 Elections in the West: Are They Helping the Extreme Right?|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/48778664 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502183846/https://www.jstor.org/stable/48778664 |archive-date=May 2, 2025 |journal=Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses |volume=16 |issue=3 |pages=31–36 |jstor=48778664 |via=JSTOR}}

{{Refend}}

• Donald Trump's 2022 [https://www.c-span.org/program/campaign-2024/former-president-trumps-2024-campaign-announcement/619292 campaign announcement] at Mar-a-Lago, on C-SPAN
• Trump's [https://www.c-span.org/clip/campaign-2024/presidential-nominee-donald-trump/5124681 acceptance speech] for the Republican Party's nomination at the 2024 Republican National Convention, on C-SPAN
• Trump's [https://www.c-span.org/classroom/document/?23661 post-election victory speech] at Mar-a-Lago, on C-SPAN
• The campaign's [https://web.archive.org/web/20250415050110/https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/P80001571/ financial information], at the Federal Election Commission

{{2024 United States presidential election}}

{{Donald Trump}}

{{J. D. Vance}}

{{Republican presidential campaigns}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Trump, Donald 2024}}

Category:Political career of Donald Trump

Category:JD Vance

Category:2022 in American politics

Category:2022 establishments in the United States

Category:2023 in American law

Category:2023 in American politics

Category:2024 disestablishments in the United States

Category:2024 in American law

Category:2024 in American politics

Category:2024 Republican Party (United States) presidential campaigns

Category:Democratic backsliding in the United States

Category:Right-wing populism in the United States

Category:Second presidency of Donald Trump

Category:Climate change denial