Florida — The world is bracing for a potential surge in racism and xenophobia following Donald Trump’s decisive return to the White House.
Trump’s victory, marked by a campaign heavy on racial overtones and anti-immigrant rhetoric, signals a major shift in U.S. leadership that is expected to challenge democratic institutions domestically and strain international relations.
Reclaiming the presidency after a four-year absence, Trump, 78, cleared the critical 270 electoral vote threshold early Wednesday, winning 279 votes to Kamala Harris’s 223, with several states yet to report final counts.
A decisive win in Wisconsin pushed him over the line, giving him a five-million-vote lead in the popular count.
“America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” Trump told an energized crowd in Florida, declaring a return that many had considered politically improbable after his supporters’ January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Throughout his campaign, Trump emphasized immigration as a core issue, linking it to crime and economic instability.
This hardline stance, prominent in his first term, drew sharp criticism for racially charged language and policies, such as the travel ban on Muslim-majority countries, a U.S.-Mexico border wall, and asylum restrictions.
Critics warn that his rhetoric fuels xenophobia, heightening fears among immigrant communities and raising concerns over potential racial divides.
The implications of Trump’s leadership extend globally, with his views on immigration potentially shaping attitudes in nations already grappling with anti-immigrant sentiment.
In South Africa, where xenophobic violence has erupted in recent years, Trump’s policies may embolden those pushing for stricter immigration measures, worsening tensions and amplifying racial divides.
Kamala Harris, the defeated Democratic candidate, did not address supporters at Howard University, her alma mater, following her loss.
Campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond briefly addressed the crowd, hinting at unresolved vote counts in several states.
While Republicans secured a majority in the U.S. Senate, control of the House of Representatives remains in flux as results continue to come in.
Trump’s return has reignited debate over the future of American democracy and its impact on global perspectives toward diversity and inclusivity.
His victory could inspire a wave of nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment worldwide, reshaping how the U.S. and other countries engage with the ideals of inclusivity and tolerance.