Donald Trump has been elected president of the United States twice so far: first in 2016 and again in 2024.

Key dates

  • He was first elected on November 8, 2016, defeating Hillary Clinton.
  • He was re‑elected in the presidential election held on November 5, 2024, defeating Kamala Harris.
  • His first term ran from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021.
  • After winning in 2024, he returned to the presidency in January 2025 for a non‑consecutive second term.

In other words, if you’re just asking “when was Trump elected president,” the core answers are the election dates: November 8, 2016 and November 5, 2024.