American Patriot or White Supremacist? The American Presidential Election and Donald Trump’s Victory, 2016

Abstract

Abstract: In November 2016, a billionaire tycoon, called Donald Trump, was elected to the most powerful office in the world, defeating the ultimate political insider, Hillary Clinton. The election of a political outsider was a clear indication that American politics glossed over any rational arguments. The legitimacy of Trump was seriously questioned by millions of Americans who did not vote for him. As America was waking up to the extraordinary reality of Trump’s victory, his opponents shared their fears for the future. Yet, his popularity reached fever pitch amidst his passionate supporters. They were thrilled that Trump would lead the mightiest nation on earth. The mood in the U.S. was dim as issues of economic discontent, immigration, and American identity came to the fore. Therefore, this article sheds light on the deep divisions that existed ahead of the 2016 American presidential elections. It further investigates the factors behind Trump’s meteoric rise and explores why his robust and frequently controversial attitudes appealed to millions of American voters. Keywords: Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, 2016 presidential elections, immigration, economy, American identity.