Donald Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 US election to win a second, non-consecutive term as president, is making headlines not only for his stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, but also for his struggles ongoing legal and past actions.

The 78-year-old emerged victorious in key states including North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Georgia, defeating Democratic challenger Kamala Harris to become the 47th US president.

Known for his rise from a real estate magnate to a political figure, Trump's journey to the presidency in 2016 was marked by controversial decisions and unprecedented legal issues.

Trump's first term saw major domestic and international decisions, including moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, withdrawing from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement, and imposing high tariffs on Chinese imports.

His administration was also embroiled in the aftermath of the Capitol uprising on January 6, 2021, when his supporters attacked the US Capitol, deepening political divisions in the country.

Despite losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump continued to allege extensive election fraud, a claim that prompted numerous legal challenges. Trump is now back, overcoming legal hurdles, including an attempted disqualification related to his role in the Capitol riots.

Born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, Trump was the fourth child of real estate magnate Fred Trump. After attending the New York Military Academy, he earned a business degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Taking over the family business from his father in 1971, Trump grew the company significantly, becoming prominent in business, entertainment and media, even hosting his own TV show The Apprentice, gaining worldwide recognition.

In 2000, he briefly entered politics as a candidate for the Reform Party, but quickly withdrew. Only in 2016 did he make a serious run for the presidency, winning the Republican nomination and defeating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, despite long odds.

Trump's first term was marked by a series of controversial decisions and foreign policy moves. He had protracted disputes with agencies such as the FBI and CIA, and several Pentagon generals. Trump rejected some aspects of the Secret Service's advice and announced the decisions via social media without consulting his advisers.

On the international stage, Trump's policies have been equally divisive, including his trade war with China, support for Israel and calls for tighter immigration controls.

The decision to withdraw the US from the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Climate Agreement were some of the most controversial moves of his administration.

While trying to curb China's market dominance through high import taxes, Trump has stirred controversy with his friendly meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his push to fortify the US-Mexico border with metal barriers.

Trump also made headlines for his interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After the 17 downing of flight MH2014 in eastern Ukraine, with Kiev blaming Moscow, Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin told him in 2015, when he was not yet US president, that Russia was not behind it.

During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump said he had contact with Putin, and the Russian leader called him a "genius." In 2018, Trump and Putin held a two-hour meeting in Helsinki with only interpreters present.

At a press conference afterward, Trump expressed confidence in US intelligence reports, but also described Putin's denial of Russian meddling as "extremely strong." This stance drew criticism from the US press, with Trump accused of giving too much to Putin.

Additionally, it is alleged that Trump has maintained contact with Putin even after losing the 2020 presidential election.

In his campaigns, Trump repeated his promise to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. He has declared that, if re-elected, he would end the war "one day after" his re-election.

In addition to foreign policy, Trump's domestic agenda includes tackling abortion rights and illegal immigration.

Having previously advocated a nationwide ban after 15 weeks, he later voiced opposition to enacting a national abortion ban, saying abortion should be left up to the states.

On immigration, Trump has repeatedly criticized Biden's handling of border security and has vowed to crack down on illegal immigration, framing it as a national security threat.

Criticizing the Democratic administration's management of the economy, Trump announced plans to tackle inflation on day one if elected.

In his second term, he plans to impose new tariffs, cut taxes and increase fossil fuel production.

Known for his "America First" approach, Trump aims to protect US interests through a protectionist stance on trade. In 2018, during his presidency, Trump imposed tariffs on products imported from China and additional tariffs on steel and aluminum from other countries, including US allies.

After returning to the White House for a second term, he signaled that he would apply other tariffs. Trump plans to impose a 60% tariff on goods from China and a 10-20% tax on goods imported from other countries.

With his return to office, Trump faces the risk of increasing trade tensions not only with China, but also with the EU. Tariffs on aluminum and steel, along with the Digital Services Tax, could reignite trade disputes with Europe.

Trump also aims to make permanent provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, set to expire next year, and is calling for additional tax cuts.

Under current law, individuals receiving Social Security benefits must pay taxes on 50-85% of their benefits, with low-income retirees paying a lower rate than high-income retirees. Trump wants to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits for all individuals.

Additionally, Trump plans to cut the federal corporate tax rate from 21% to 15% during his new term and has pledged to allow interest on car loans to be tax-deductible.

He believes this will stimulate domestic car production and has promised tax cuts for Americans living abroad to end double taxation.

Trump also said he would rescind unused funds from the Biden administration's "Inflation Reduction Act," which has been called "the biggest step yet taken on climate."

Trump, who supports the fossil fuel industry, including oil, natural gas and coal, criticized the Biden administration's climate policies as "a new green scam." He opposes many clean energy policies, believing they hinder energy production and fuel inflation.

As during his previous presidency, Trump plans to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and believes the US president should have a say in the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions.

Trump, who appointed Jerome Powell as Fed chairman in 2017, criticized Powell for his monetary policy decisions. Trump argues that inflation can be reduced without raising interest rates and advocates lowering them instead.

During his new term, Trump is expected to allow Powell to finish his term as Fed chairman, which runs until 2026.

During his presidential campaign, Trump was careful with his language regarding foreign policy.

Repeatedly calling Biden a bad president, Trump accused him of throwing the world into chaos with his handling of Ukraine and the Middle East.

Although he moved to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital during his first term, Trump campaigned in swing states such as Michigan, home to large Muslim American and Arab populations, during his re-election bid.

He also claimed that his administration would be more supportive of Israel than the Democratic Party. At his rallies, Trump frequently expressed his support for Israel and suggested that, if elected president, Iran would not dare attack Israel.

He also subtly criticized Israel's attacks on civilians and settlements in Gaza.

Trump has been involved in several legal battles stemming from his time in office and beyond.

In the incident known as the "Capitol Riots", thousands of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021, resulting in five deaths.

For the first time in US history, an attack on Congress occurred and Trump faced two impeachment trials in the House of Representatives, but was acquitted in the Senate.

Trump also became the first president ever to pose for a mug shot as part of the Georgia election meddling case.

He also faces legal challenges related to alleged hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and allegations of financial misconduct related to his business practices. /AA