For the second time in less than 20 years, a Republican presidential candidate won the electoral vote while losing the popular vote. In an outcome that shocked the nation, the businessman and reality TV star won the presidency despite trailing in the polls throughout the entire race. After receiving almost 3 million fewer popular votes, but 306 electoral votes, Donald Trump was sworn in as the country’s 45th president.
His rival Hillary Clinton seemed destined to take on the position, her presidency would be the country’s next historic milestone. But throughout her campaign she was dogged by an FBI Investigation regarding her use of a private email server as Secretary of State, and dubious claims concerning a US Embassy attack in Benghazi. Clinton wasn’t the only one stained by controversy. Donald Trump appalled the nation when he bragged about the size of his “package” during a Republican Primary debate, insinuated that Senator John McCain was a loser for being a former POW, encouraged his supporters to attack protesters, and was caught on tape bragging about sexually groping women. At times his yearlong campaign for the office of president seemed more reality show like than presidential. However, in the end, Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim and anti-establishment bravado proved enough to defeat the former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.