by Brett Manero
Love him or hate him, you cannot deny that a tremendous historical event occurred with the second election of Donald Trump this week. Enthusiasts of American history will know that he is only the second person to be elected to two non-consecutive terms to the Presidency – the other being Grover Cleveland, who was first elected in 1884, lost re-election in 1888, and won again in 1892. Unlike Cleveland, Trump was also impeached by the House of Representatives twice. In 2024, he survived two assassination attempts. There is also the litany of court cases against him, which are now effectively null and void due to his election. There is no denying that this is not only one of the most significant political comebacks in American history, but in all of history as well.
Trump is controversial, to say the least. He is clearly a deeply flawed man, and yet one cannot deny his apparent sincerity in his love for his country. He has a long and abiding history of saying offensive statements and insulting others. Then of course there is the not-so-unimportant Capitol riot of January 6, 2021.
But whether one loves him or hates him, he has clearly been rightfully elected to the American Presidency. With a significant win of the popular vote, his legitimacy in this election is undeniable – unlike in his first election in 2016, when he failed to acquire the popular vote.
I think of another historical figure who spent many years in the “political doghouse” before returning and becoming one of the greatest leaders in history. That is of course Winston Churchill, who needs little introduction. Churchill enthusiasts will know well that he was largely blamed for the disastrous Gallipoli campaign of the First World War, which led him into the political wilderness for years to come. It would not be until 1940 when he would become Prime Minister and make his eternal mark on history, quite literally saving the world from Nazism.
I’m not saying that Trump is Churchill; far from it. But I am saying that comebacks and redemption are possible. Trump left office in disgrace in 2020, and now he’s returning to office in tremendous triumph. People of faith must wonder why he so narrowly survived an assassin’s bullet this past summer: perhaps Providence willed his survival for a good reason.
Who knows what the next four years will bring for the United States and the world. Only God is aware, and we entrust the nation to His care and His Providence. Trump is flawed and controversial, yes, but when one looks at Scripture, one sees may instances of deeply flawed people who grow in virtue over time. Let’s give Trump a chance to do the same.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD (Psalm 33:12).