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Donald Trump has won the 270 electoral votes needed to win the US presidential election.
This comes four years after the former president refused to accept the election results, sparking a violent insurrection at the US Capitol.
He has since been convicted of crimes and survived two assassination attempts.
Delivering his victory speech to supporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said he believed his presidency had been divinely ordained.
“Well, I want to thank you so much, it’s amazing. They’re our friends. We have thousands of friends in this incredible movement. It’s a movement like no one has ever seen before. And frankly , it was, I believe, the greatest political movement of all time. There has never been anything like it in this country and perhaps beyond.
In state after state, Trump outperformed what he did in the 2020 election — as Kamala Harris failed to win over the same number of voters as Joe Biden won the presidency four years ago.
Trump takes office on January 20.
He vowed to govern for all Americans.
“We’re going to help our country heal, help our country heal. We have a country that needs help, and it really needs help.”
He also pledged to move quickly to implement his immigration policy.
“We’re going to fix our border. We’re going to fix everything in our country. We made history for a reason tonight, and the reason will be just that.”
In her concession speech, Kamala Harris urged her supporters “not to despair” – but to stay committed to the fight to protect American democracy.
She gave her speech at the Historically Black College and University from which she graduated: Howard University, in Washington.
“So let me tell you that my heart is full today. My heart is full today, full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country and full of determination. The outcome of this election is not what we wanted. “It’s not what we fought for, nor what we voted for. But listen to me when I say that the light of America’s promise will always shine. “
The fans listened, tears streaming down their cheeks.
Ms. Harris says she is proud of the 107-day campaign she led, after President Biden announced he would not seek another term (in July).
She added that it is important to support the peaceful transfer of power.
“I know people are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now. I understand, but we have to accept the results of this election. Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and I I congratulated him on his victory and also told him that we will help him and his team in their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.”
She also spoke to America’s youth with words of encouragement.
“For the young people watching us, it’s okay to feel sad and disappointed, but know that everything will be okay. During the campaign, I often said that when we fight, we win. But here’s the problem, here’s the problem. thing: sometimes the fight takes time. That doesn’t mean we won’t win. The important thing is to never give up. I never stop trying to make the world a better place.”
Vice President Harris closed with some words of inspiration, telling Americans to have faith in what may be difficult times ahead.
“I know a lot of people feel like we’re entering a dark time, but for the sake of all of us, I hope that’s not the case. But here’s the thing. America, if it is If so, let’s fill the sky with the light of a bright, shining billion of stars. The light of optimism, of faith, of truth and of service.
Meanwhile, world leaders congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Stamer described the victory as “historic”.
“Mr President, may I begin by congratulating President-elect Trump on his historic election victory. As our closest allies, the United Kingdom and the United States will continue to work together to protect our shared values of freedom and democracy. And after having dinner with the president – I elected Trump just a few weeks ago, I look forward to working with him in the years to come.”
However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan refused to congratulate the republican, saying the results showed progress was not inevitable.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he congratulated Mr. Trump on what he called the greatest comeback in history.
In a statement on social media platform X, he said:
“Dear Donald and Melania Trump, Congratulations on the greatest comeback in history! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory in true friendship, yours, Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu.”
During his campaign, Mr. Trump expressed support for Israel’s war to destroy Hamas in Gaza, but said Mr. Netanyahu must finish the job quickly.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also congratulated Mr. Trump and expressed hope for continued support in the country’s war against Russia.
In a statement on social media, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Mr Trump’s leadership will be crucial to keeping the military alliance strong.
“I just congratulated Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States. His leadership will once again be essential to maintaining the strength of our Alliance. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace by force through NATO.”
Countries are also preparing their response to Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on goods imported from all countries into the United States.
He proposed a 60 percent tariff on all Chinese imports – and a universal 10 percent tariff on imports from all countries.
In a statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says she wants to work with the United States to support millions of jobs and billions of dollars of trade and investment on each side of the Atlantic.
“I warmly congratulate Donald J. Trump. The EU and the United States are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens. Let us work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that continues to meet their expectations.
