Donald Trump will make a historic return to the White House after winning the 2024 US election.
In a stunning comeback from his loss to Joe Biden in 2020, the Republican carved out a decisive victory with wins in crucial swing states.
The President-elect is preparing to select his top team ahead of his return to the White House after Kamala Harris vowed a “peaceful transfer of power”.
Vice-President Kamala Harris gave an emotional concession speech on the steps of her alma mater, Howard University, in Washington.
In her first speech since losing the election, Harris told supporters: “I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case”.
She urged the crowd watching not to give up fighting for a brighter future for America – a message she has reiterated to her supporters over her campaign email.
In it, Harris is emphatic in her gratitude for those who backed her.
She acknowledges that the outcome of the election “is not what we wanted” but adds: “The light of America’s promise will always burn bright – as long as we never give up and keep fighting”.
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign,” she says.
Trump to start selecting cabinet in coming days
President-Elect Donald Trump will begin choosing his cabinet in the “days and weeks ahead”, the team leading his transition to the White House says.
In a statement, co-chairs Linda McMahon and Howard Lutnick say they will presenting Trump with a “wide array of experts from which he can select for his team”.
They say he will select personnel that enact policies that “make the life of Americans affordable, safe, and secure”.
Trump carved out a decisive victory as he won five of the seven battleground states – he’s ahead in the final two yet to be declared, Nevada and Arizona.
Meanwhile, Republicans have retaken control of the US Senate; they also lead the contest to control the House of Representatives, but it could take days for a final result.
Bill and Hillary Clinton released a statement on Trump’s win
Former President Bill Clinton and ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – who was defeated by Donald Trump in 2016 – have released a joint statement reacting to the election result.
It reads: “The American people have voted, and Donald Trump and JD Vance will be the next president and vice president of the United States.
“We wish them well and hope they will govern for all of us.”
World leaders react to Trump’s election victory
Leaders from around the world have been reacting to Donald Trump’s election victory. Here’s what some had to say:
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his “heartiest congratulations” to his “friend” and said they would work together to “promote global peace, stability and prosperity”.
Brazilian President Lula Da Silva said he hopes Trump “cares about working for the world to have peace” and that his relationship with Brazil “will be civilised”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – whose relations with Trump will be closely watched in the coming months – said the pair held an “excellent” call after this victory.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer offered “hearty congratulations” and said he looked forward to working with him “across all areas of the special relationship”.
The billionaire shaped by 9/11 helping build Trump’s top team
As Donald Trump emerges victorious, eyes will now turn to his takeover of the White House.
Howard Lutnick, one of the people leading the transition team, was on stage with Trump last night.
The billionaire chief executive of the financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald has already been soliciting resumes as he looks to fill thousands of political roles for the new administration.
Lutnick has grisly experience of rapidly staffing up. The 11 September attacks on the World Trade Center killed every Cantor Fitzgerald employee in the office that day – more than 650 people, including Lutnick’s brother.
Despite his Wall Street ties, Lutnick has said he is committed to Trump’s populist Make America Great Again agenda.
“His transition team will ensure the implementation of President Trump’s common sense agenda starting on Day 1,” Lutnick and co-chair Linda McMahon said in a statement on Wednesday.
Source – BBC
