In 2016, Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton to the American Presidency, winning the election with 48% of the national vote. His victory defied expert opinion and polling forecasts, leaving many to wonder what crucial elements they had missed when predicting its outcome. So, why did Americans vote for Donald Trump in the US election?
Americans voted for Donald Trump in 2016 because they preferred his campaign promises
Donald Trump built his billions with a sophisticated understanding of the US economy. The electorate therefore trusted him with the nation.
Donald Trump was considered the best hope for revitalising the American economy
As a self-made billionaire, Donald Trump was perceived as being a skilled economist with expertise to reinvigorate the US economy.
Donald Trump was considered the best choice for foreign policy
Many admired Donald Trump's break from traditional diplomacy and upfront negotiation style, which they felt would serve their interests well in the international arena.
Americans voted for Donald Trump in 2016 because they didn't like Hillary Clinton
Votes for Donald Trump were a protest against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
Donald Trump represented a break from the political elite
Donald Trump was an outsider, Meanwhile, Hilary Clinton was seen as an established part of the US political elite many of the disenfranchised wanted to dismantle.
Donald Trump exploited US fear over unregulated immigration
Building a border wall between the US and Mexico was a central campaign promise in Donald Trump's 2016 election manifesto. Many people voted for him because this appealed to their anxieties.
