After a fiercely contested and bitter election campaign, the United States has elected its 47th president. Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, has emerged victorious over Democratic challenger Kamala Harris, securing a second non-consecutive term in the Oval Office.
As the votes were tallied across the nation, U.S. networks projected that Trump won 23 states, while Harris claimed 11. The race ultimately came down to the all-important electoral college votes, where Trump led with 247 votes to Harris' 210, just 23 votes shy of the required 270 needed to win the presidency. With results still rolling in from key battleground states, Trump's path to victory became clearer as he maintained a lead in six out of seven swing states.
Trends during counting of votes.
Throughout the campaign, the stakes were high for both candidates. If Harris had won, she would have made history as the first woman president of the United States. But it was Trump, who had previously served as the 45th president, who emerged triumphant, positioning himself for a return to the White House.
In the lead-up to the election, Trump had expressed confidence in his chances of reclaiming the presidency. Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot in Florida, he said, “I feel very confident. If it's a fair election, I will accept the results, but I believe we are on the verge of a great victory.” However, he also raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, particularly regarding the use of electronic voting machines.
As the final votes were counted, Trump’s victory in key battleground states sealed his return to the White House. While Harris had a strong showing in some urban areas and blue states, Trump's appeal to voters in the midwest and other swing regions proved decisive.
With this win, Donald Trump becomes the first U.S. president to secure a second non-consecutive term since Grover Cleveland in the 19th century. His victory marks a dramatic chapter in a highly polarized and contentious election season, as both sides worked tirelessly to sway voters amidst ongoing debates over the future direction of the country.
As the nation now looks to the future, Trump's focus will be on addressing pressing issues ranging from the economy to healthcare, while Harris, despite her loss, remains a significant figure within the Democratic Party as the first woman to run for president at this level. For now, the 2024 election is a turning point in U.S. history, with Donald Trump poised to lead the country once again.