Donald Trump has declared victory in the U.S. presidential election, addressing an enthusiastic crowd in Florida despite ongoing vote counts in crucial battleground states. Decision Desk HQ and Fox News projected Trump as the winner following anticipated victories in Republican-leaning states and key wins in Pennsylvania and Alaska, which secured him 270 electoral votes.
Pennsylvania’s loss dealt a heavy blow to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, who relied on the state as part of the “blue wall” strategy for a path to victory. The status of Michigan and Wisconsin remains undecided.
Celebrating with supporters in West Palm Beach, Trump called the election a “magnificent victory for the American people” and thanked Americans for electing him as the 47th president. “I will fight for you and your future every single day,” he told the crowd, while asserting that he had also won the popular vote.
Trump’s journey back to the White House has been marked by numerous surprises, including a criminal trial, assassination attempts, and a shift in the Democratic ticket after President Biden withdrew. This election saw Trump return to office after losing it, a rare feat not seen since Grover Cleveland’s re-election in 1892.
In a race defined by tight margins, Trump’s campaign resonated with voters on issues like economic security, immigration, and foreign policy. His running mate, Senator JD Vance, helped bolster support on economic and immigration issues. Trump managed to flip Georgia and retain North Carolina, achieving significant gains among Latino voters and young men.
Trump’s plans for his term include extensive deportation policies, continuation of the 2017 tax cuts, and universal tariffs. He also aims to restrict environmental regulations, dismantle the Department of Education, and impose new guidelines on transgender youth protections.
Trump’s second term could reshape the Supreme Court’s conservative majority as Republicans have regained control of the Senate. This election, the first since Roe v. Wade was overturned, saw Harris emphasize abortion rights, though Trump ultimately narrowed the gap amongfemale voters.
