After four years out of office but never far from the headlines, Donald Trump is headed back to the White House. TIME's special issue chronicles his return to the presidency and documents one of the most extraordinary and controversial political careers in American history. It recounts the highlights of the dramatic 2024 campaign, in which Trump triumphed despite well-funded party rivals, two assassination attempts, a felony conviction, and a surprise change from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket. This special issue also tells the larger story of Trump's improbable life in politics, from his upset win in 2016 to the many trials he withstood during his first term, including investigations, impeachments, and the tumult of the January 6 riot on the Capitol. The issue also includes a TIME interview with Trump in which he previews his second term.
HOW TRUMP WON • He returned to the White House with a campaign that emphasized immigration and the economy and delivered major gains across demographics.
IMAGES OF A CAMPAIGN • This dramatic election season included two assassination attempts and a stunning change to the Democratic ticket.
THE ROAD BACK • Trump vanquished primary opponents, found a running mate and survived a felony conviction to claim his party’s nomination once again.
OVERCOMING PARTY RIVALS • Looking back, other Republicans seeking the 2024 nomination never really had a chance.
Why Trump Chose JD Vance • The author and senator appealed to rust belt voters and Silicon Valley donors, and he had an important fan in Donald Jr.
UNBOWED AT THE CONVENTION • “I wasn’t supposed to be here,” Trump told Republicans as he recounted the July attempt on his life and accepted his third presidential nomination.
Immunity for Official Acts • The July Supreme Court decision was a big one in favor of a candidate facing multiple prosecutions.
THE NOT-SO-GREAT DEBATE • Accusations flew in a testy meeting between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
The Myths About His Conviction • Clearing up the misconceptions about what happened in Trump’s “hush money” trial.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN • Trump made his name as a businessman and TV star before shocking the establishment and becoming a president like no other.
HIS LIFE BEFORE POLITICS • Trump built a real estate empire and then parlayed his reputation as a dealmaker into a new kind of fame through reality television.
AN UPSET TO THE SYSTEM • In a 2016 election night shocker, voters sent the most unconventional and impolitic candidate in memory straight to the Oval Office.
THE SECRET OF HIS SUCCESS • Advisers and experts could offer advice, but in the end, Trump did it his way, connecting with voters who felt that their voices had been going unheard.
SURVIVING AND THRIVING • Despite impeachments and the assault on the Capitol following his 2020 loss, the pugnacious politician managed to keep supporters believing in his cause.
REPELLING MUELLER • The end of the special counsel’s probe gave Donald Trump one of the biggest wins of his presidency.
PROSPERING DURING IMPEACHMENT • In 2019, by uniting his followers against his political enemies, the Trump team turned a threat to his presidency into a fundraising bonanza.
BEATING THE CHARGES • The House claimed that Trump had abused his power. The Senate gave him a pass.
RESHAPING THE COURTS • The inside story of how Trump placed his stamp on the judiciary system, which was perhaps the most lasting impact of his first term in office.
A STINGING LOSS ENDS THE FIRST TERM • His handling of the pandemic, a divisive leadership style and a dubious choice of campaign manager contributed to Trump’s narrow defeat in 2020.
The Big Lie About January 6 •...
