On November 8, 2016, businessman Donald J. Trump won the U.S. presidential election, defeating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The result surprised many pollsters and commentators, since pre-election surveys often showed Clinton in the lead. Trump carried several Midwestern and Rust Belt states that had previously voted Democratic in presidential contests. His campaign emphasized immigration restrictions, trade renegotiation, and criticism of political elites. Clinton won the national popular vote, but Trump secured a majority in the Electoral College. The election deepened political polarization and prompted ongoing debates about media, polling, and foreign interference in U.S. elections.
