The story of how Trump went from diminished ex-president to a victor once again

With his commanding victory over Vice President Kamala Harris , Trump achieved a comeback that seemed unimaginable after his refusal to accept his loss in the 2020 election ended with his supporters violently storming the Capitol .

In the years that followed, Trump was widely blamed for Republican losses, indicted four times, convicted on 34 felony counts, ruled to have inflated his assets in a civil fraud trial and found liable for sexual abuse.

But Trump managed to turn his legal woes into fuel that channeled voters' anger.

He seized on widespread discontent over the direction of a country battered by years of high inflation.

Trump ’s campaign insisted they did not fundamentally change their strategy with Harris as their rival.

They labeled her “dangerously liberal," highlighting the progressive policies she had embraced when she first ran for president in 2020 .

They argued her joyful warrior’ messaging was fundamentally at odds with the sour mood of the electorate.

Trump 's campaign worked to grow his appeal beyond the white working-class base that had delivered his first victory.

The campaign decided early that it would focus much of its efforts on low-propensity voters.

To reach them, Trump began a podcast blitz, appearing with hosts who are popular with young men.