Rue Grewal is a Three Rivers District Councillor and Deputy Chair of Hertfordshire Conservatives Area Management Executive
I, like many, stayed glued to the TV, watching the entire American election unfold in real time.
I was constantly messaging my American friends, my extended family over there, and even a few friends who worked directly on the Trump campaign. Messages flew back and forth as it became clear that all the polls and so-called experts predicting a tight race had completely missed the mark.
As the results rolled in, it was undeniable: this was no close call. Trump hadn’t just secured the presidency—he’d helped sweep the Senate and the House, too. It’s one of the most astonishing political comebacks I’ve ever seen, and it left me wondering how he achieved this and what it means for all of us moving forward.
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency can indeed be called one of the greatest political comebacks in modern history. After a previous loss, few would have expected him to regain such a firm hold on American politics. But despite the odds, Trump has once again secured the presidency, as well as a stronghold in both the Senate and the House of Representatives—a sweep that speaks volumes about today’s electorate.
Trump’s success this time around wasn’t because he catered to celebrities or had mainstream media support. In fact, he actively sidestepped those traditional powerhouses. Instead, he focused on issues that resonated deeply with his base: economic stability, border security, and a message of strength and nationalism. This approach seems to have struck a chord, particularly with voters who feel left behind by mainstream political voices.
The timing of Biden’s decision to step down left voters with limited time to truly assess an alternative. This, combined with a distrust in establishment narratives, saw Trump’s authenticity—flaws and all—as more relatable and reliable than the polished promises of his opponents. Today’s electorate is more sceptical, less trusting of authority, and eager for leaders who they feel truly “get” them, even if those leaders have complex or flawed backgrounds. This speaks to a shift in political culture: people are looking less at image and more at someone who reflects their frustrations and desires for real change.
Trump’s presidency will undoubtedly shape U.S. relations with the world. His approach to foreign policy, trade, and defence will likely signal a return to “America First,” which could impact global markets, alliances, and policies. This return also emboldens other nationalist movements worldwide, setting a tone for countries that prioritise national sovereignty and independence over global cooperation.
Trump’s approach holds lessons for the Conservative Party as well.
He defied traditional campaign strategies by engaging with voters on a personal, direct level, using unfiltered platforms and bypassing media he believed didn’t represent his views accurately. He championed issues many elites were unwilling to discuss but which resonated deeply with everyday citizens.
For Conservatives, there’s value in acknowledging and adapting to this new wave of voter expectations. The electorate today craves authenticity, however messy. Trump’s victory shows that voters are willing to overlook flaws if they believe a candidate is genuinely aligned with their needs and values. This means embracing clear, strong positions and speaking directly to the concerns of working-class citizens who may feel alienated from political power.
The lesson for the Conservatives? Empathy, authenticity, and a direct response to public sentiment can outweigh polished platforms.
Trump’s victory highlights a significant shift: the character of a candidate, once paramount, is now judged differently. Voters seem to prefer a leader who is “one of them”—warts and all—over someone who feels distant or contrived. This could indeed give hope to figures like Boris Johnson, who, despite their own controversies, connect with the public on a more personal level.
Hardly a week goes by at my councillor surgeries without someone asking if Boris will make a comeback. My response is usually just a shrug. But with Trump’s return, it seems he may have written a new rule book for political comebacks, showing that with the right strategy, even the most improbable returns are possible.
Trump’s comeback shows that politics has entered a new era, one where authenticity and relatability can sometimes trump experience and traditional “presidential” polish. It’s a call for leaders to step up and speak out, addressing the real and sometimes uncomfortable issues that matter most to people’s everyday lives.
In the end, Trump’s return to power may reshape more than America—it could well change how we view leadership itself. And for Conservatives worldwide, it’s a reminder to listen closely to the heartbeat of the public, even if it beats differently than expected.
