After what people say is the most controversial election in history, Donald Trump is named president of the United States. The question all Americans seem to be asking: how did he pull it off?

Trump secured Ohio, North Carolina and Florida, key swing states for winning the election. Victory in these states was necessary for his success.

Pennsylvania determined his election when it turned red in the early hours of Wednesday morning and put Trump over the 270 electoral votes needed to win the election.

The win for Trump was unexpected, even among supporters. On the day of the election, no major news network predicted a Trump victory. The results took the nation by surprise because many of his supporters remained largely silent throughout the campaign. The “silent supporters” didn’t show up in the polls, rant on social media or even discuss their position with friends. Regardless, they came out on election day. These silent Trump voters affected the nation.

Another supporting factor to Trump’s win is the imminent turnover of Supreme Court justices. After the unexpected death of conservative justice Antonin Scalia, it is up to the next president to determine who filled his seat. Also, other current court justices Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Anthony Kennedy and Stephen Breyer are above the age of 78, with the chance of another possible turnover in power. Trump will have the opportunity to appoint one or more Supreme Court justices during his presidency.

The FBI re-opening the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private e-mail server was another factor for Trump’s victory. Undecided voters or wary Clinton supporters changed their opinions based on this ongoing argument, allowing Trump to pull even in the presidential race.

Trump’s win is a testimony to the United States’ frustration with the way Washington, D.C. is being run. His campaigns advertised his business experience and did not hide his minimal political background. Overall, Trump addressed the necessity for change in the U.S. government. Let’s hope he upholds his promise to “make America great again.”