U.S. President Joe Biden was set to address the nation on Thursday after a stinging election defeat for his Democratic Party at the hands of Republican Donald Trump.
Trump staged a stunning political comeback which has reverberated around the world.
Biden, who was replaced in July as the Democrats’ candidate in the race by Vice President Kamala Harris because of concerns about his mental acuity after a stumbling debate with Trump, will speak at 11:00 a.m. (1600 GMT), the White House said.
Harris sought on Wednesday to console the voters who had hoped she would become the first woman to win the White House.
She, like Biden, has promised to aid Trump’s transition between now and his inauguration on Jan. 20 but said she was not prepared to embrace his vision for the country.
Trump’s campaign said Biden had invited him to a meeting at the White House at an unspecified time.
Former President Trump’s victory, surprisingly decisive after opinion polls that had shown a neck-and-neck contest ahead of Tuesday’s election, underscored how disenchanted Americans had become with the economy – in particular the effect of inflation on their standard of living – border security and the direction of the country and its culture.
Hispanics, traditionally Democratic voters, and lower-income households hit hardest by inflation helped fuel the victory.
Harris’ campaign had sought to press the message that Trump was unfit to serve again as president, as a convicted felon and one whose false claims of voting fraud after his 2020 election defeat spurred a mob to storm the U.S. Capitol.
This time, Trump prevailed in five of the seven battleground states to push him past the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency and was leading in the remaining two, Arizona and Nevada, where votes were still being tallied.
He was also on track to become the first Republican presidential candidate to win the popular vote since George W. Bush two decades ago.
Republicans wrested control of the U.S. Senate from Democrats, ensuring Trump will control at least one chamber of Congress next year.
It is not clear if they will retain their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, with dozens of races not yet called.
U.S. stocks rallied to close at record highs on Wednesday after Trump’s victory.
Investors expected lower taxes, deregulation, with a U.S. president who is not shy to weigh in on everything from the stock market to the dollar, although fresh tariffs could bring challenges in the form of a higher deficit and inflation.
In the days and weeks ahead, Trump will select personnel to serve under his leadership, his campaign said on Wednesday.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a prominent Trump donor, has been promised a role in his administration, as has former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson were seen as possible new entrants to his administration, while former Trump officials Robert O’Brien and Mike Pompeo could return to office.
However, a source said on Wednesday that Dimon would remain at the bank and had no plans to join Trump’s administration.
On trade, Trump is expected to revive policies he favoured during his first term, notably tariffs that he has called the “most beautiful word.”
That could set him on a collision course with China, which has the world’s second-largest economy, sow discord with allies, and roil global industries from automakers to chipmakers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent Trump a congratulatory message and said he hopes the two powers will coexist peacefully and achieve win-win cooperation, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiywas among world leaders congratulating Trump.
But Trump has been critical of Biden’s assistance for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
He has said he could end the war in 24 hours but has not offered a detailed plan.
The White House plans to rush billions of dollars in security assistance to Ukraine before Biden leaves office in January, sources said on Wednesday, hoping to shore up the government in Kyiv before Trump takes over.
Former U.S. president Barack Obama has congratulated Republican Donald Trump on his victory in the U.S. presidential election.
“This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues,” Obama said in a joint statement with wife Michelle.
“But living in a democracy is about recognising that our point of view won’t always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.”
The United States had been “through a lot” over recent years, “from a historic pandemic and price hikes resulting from the pandemic, to rapid change and the feeling a lot of folks have that, no matter how hard they work, treading water is the best they can do,” the former Democratic president wrote.
“Those conditions have created headwinds for democratic incumbents around the world, and last night showed that America is not immune,” Obama said.
“But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace even to people with whom we deeply disagree.
“That’s how we’ve come this far, and it’s how we’ll keep building a country that is more fair and more just, more equal and more free.”
In the final stretch of campaigning, Obama came out strongly for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, asserting that she would stand up for the people.
Mocking his Republican successor Trump, Obama highlighted his privileged background and financial failures.
• Republican candidate: my victory unprecedented in U.S. history
• How he won
Even before Democratic candidate Kamala Harris conceded defeat, world leaders including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, started congratulating United States (U.S.) President-elect Donald Trump yesterday.
As soon as he gained an unassailable lead with 266 Electoral College votes – four short of the 270 threshold – Trump mounted the victory podium to address his supporters at Palm Beach, Florida from around 8:00am Nigerian time.
His victory speech was beamed live by all major television networks to homes and offices around the world.
Hours after Trump’s speech, Harris made a phone call to him to concede defeat, thereby ending the bitterly fought battle for the U.S. top job.
An unnamed aide of Harris explained that Harris, who in her capacity as vice-president serves also as Senate President, emphasised the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans.
She will in her capacity as Senate President preside over the ratification of the December vote by the Electoral College which will seal Trump’s victory.
The President-elect will be sworn-in on January 20.
Trump secured the White House with a decisive 292 electoral votes. Harris garnered 226 electoral votes.
Trump won 50.98% of the popular vote, totaling 72,937,315 ballots cast in his favor. Trump won five swing states: Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. He also maintained leads in Arizona, with 51.93%, and in Nevada, with 51.59% as of 10:50 pm Central African Time, the two states whose results have not been concluded.
Harris, his primary rival, received 67,990,411 votes, accounting for 47.52% of the vote.
Apart from President Tinubu, other world leaders such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netayahu, French President Emmanuel Macron; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi; German Chancellor Olaf Scholz; Turkish President Recep Erdogan, Ukranian President Velodymyr Zelensky, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Polish President Andrzei Duda greeted Trump.
While Iran was indifferent about Trump’s second return to the White House as the 47th US President, China and Russia simply pledged cooperation with the President-elect.
The 78-year-old business mogul in his victory speech, unfolded his agenda. He said: ‘’America needs help badly’’ to heal and rebound economically.
He pledged that his administration would focus on securing US borders and restoring economic stability.
Trump pulled off his ‘magnificent victory’ on a night reminiscent of 2016, sweeping the key swing states of North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania to beat Democratic Party candidate Harris.
In his congratulatory message, President Tinubu expressed optimism about future relations between Nigeria and the U.S. under Trump’s renewed leadership.
Tinubu highlighted the potential for enhanced economic cooperation, peace and collaborative responses to global challenges shared by both nations.
“Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens,” he said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President expressed confidence that Trump’s return to the White House would mark the start of a mutually beneficial era of partnerships between Africa and the US.
The statement partly reads: “President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States of America.
“President Tinubu looks forward to strengthening the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.
“According to President Tinubu, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership. He congratulates them on their commitment to democracy.
“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th president will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.
“Acknowledging the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, the Nigerian leader trusts that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.”
In a post on his X, President Macron said: “Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine, with respect and ambition.
“For more peace and prosperity.’’
British Prime Minister Starmer said the UK-US special relationship would “continue to prosper” following Trump’s “historic election victory.’’
Starmer’s counterpart in Italy, Meloni, said the strategic connections between their two countries would now become even stronger.
“Good luck with your work, President!” the far-right prime minister added.
In a statement on her X handle, German Chancellor Scholz said: “For a long time, Germany and the U.S. have been working together successfully promoting prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic.
“We will continue to do so for the wellbeing of our citizens.’’
Polish leader, Duda also wrote on his X handle “Congratulations, Mr. President … You made it happen!”
President Zelensky was ‘’hopeful’’ that with Trump, peace would be restored in his war-ravaged Ukraine.
He said: “Congratulations to Donald Trump on his election victory,
“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to peace through a strong approach to global affairs.
“This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together.”
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Trump achieved what could be termed “history’s greatest comeback.”
“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,” he said.
Erdogan described the business magnate as a “friend” whose victory in the poll came after a “great struggle.”
China, meanwhile, was more cautious in its response. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the election was a domestic affair that Beijing would handle as usual once the results are officially announced.
*Arab leaders uncertain about Trump’s Presidency
Leaders and monarchs across the Arab world also praised Trump on his victory amid uncertainty about how his presidency will impact the conflict in the Middle East.
“I wish him every success in achieving the interests of the American people,” said Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi.
He said that in view of “critical circumstances in the world,” cooperation between the U.S. and Egypt, which along with Israel is among the largest recipients of U.S. military aid, was particularly important.
Egypt is an important mediator in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, along with Qatar and the US.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Abdulrahman described the U.S. as a “key partner” for the Gulf emirate and the region.
The largest U.S. military base in the Middle East is located in Qatar.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II sent Trump his “warmest congratulations” for the election victory.
He said he looked forward to renewed cooperation “in the service of regional and global peace.” Jordan is an important U.S. ally.
Iraqi President Abdul Rashid wrote on X: “I am hopeful that the new American administration will foster much-needed stability and constructive dialogue in the region.”
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdelaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also conveyed their congratulations.
• America needs help badly, Trump declares
Trump, in a spirited victory speech, addressed a crowd of jubilant supporters, pledging to unite the country and address urgent national challenges.
Surrounded by his family members, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and supporters, Trump spoke of the need to “heal” and strengthen the nation.
“We are going to fix everything about our country. We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly,” the Associated quoted him as saying.
Calling his win a “movement like nobody has ever seen before,” Trump acknowledged the historic significance of his return to the White House.
“This will truly be the golden age of America,” he said, promising to work toward a “strong, safe, and prosperous” future.
He pointed out Republican wins in Senate races across several states, including Ohio and Texas, which he attributed to the strength of the “MAGA movement.”
The President-elect concluded by thanking his family, supporters, and Vance, expressing optimism about the next four years.
“We’re going to make this the greatest country in the world again,” Trump said, vowing to uphold border security and encourage legal immigration.
Promising to lead an era of “hope and unity,” he pledged to fulfill his commitment to the American people.
Later at the convention centre, Trump addressed his fans. He declared: ‘We’re going to help our country heal.’
‘This was, I believe, the greatest political movement of all time,’ he said. ‘This is a magnificent victory for the American people, that will allow us to make America great again.’
By the victory, Trump becomes the first president in over 130 years – and only the second in history – to win a non-consecutive second term.
The 78-year-old will also become the oldest president ever inaugurated, beating President Joe Biden’s record by five months.
German, French defence ministers to hold talks amid Trump win
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is to travel to France for talks with his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu yesterday following Trump’s victory.
The talks are expected to focus on the consequences of the victory.
In particular for the future support for Ukraine, which has been fighting for more than two and a half years against Russia, as well as for European defence policy?
Washington has been a central provider of military support to Ukraine, which Trump has long criticised.
Leaders and monarchs across the Arab world praised Donald Trump on his election victory, amid uncertainty on how his presidency will impact the conflict in the Middle East.
“I wish him every success in achieving the interests of the American people,” said Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi.
He said that in view of “critical circumstances in the world,” cooperation between the U.S. and Egypt, which along with Israel is among the largest recipients of U.S. military aid, was particularly important.
Egypt is an important mediator in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, along with Qatar and the United States.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman described the U.S. as a “key partner” for the Gulf emirate and the region.
The largest U.S. military base in the Middle East is located in Qatar.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II sent Trump his “warmest congratulations” for the election victory.
He said he looked forward to renewed cooperation “in the service of regional and global peace.” Jordan is an important U.S. ally.
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid wrote on X: “I am hopeful that the new American administration will foster much-needed stability and constructive dialogue in the region.”
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdelaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also conveyed their congratulations.
Donald Trump has been declared the winner of the US presidential election.
The US media, including CNN, on Wednesday, announced his landslide victory, defeating Democrat Kamala Harris.
He becomes the first president in over 130 years and only the second in history to win a non-consecutive second term.
Trump, who survived two assassination attempts and a criminal conviction secured victory in the United States presidential election by surpassing the crucial threshold of 270 electoral college votes.
The Federal Government has congratulated incoming President Donald Trump on his victory as the next President of the United States of America.
Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.
Abu-Obesaid, “The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to congratulate incoming President Donald Trump on his victory as the next President of the United States of America.
“Nigeria wishes the 47th President of the United States of America great success in steering the affairs of the country and further assures of continued support, and cooperation in matters of international peace and security.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria applauds the Democratic contestant, Kamala Harris, for her efforts and contributions during her tenure as the Vice President of the United States of America.
“In the same vein, Nigeria also applauds outgoing President, Joe Biden, for his leadership and service to the American people.”
Donald Trump, 78, recaptured the White House on Wednesday by securing more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency.
Edison Research projected, following a campaign of dark rhetoric that deepened the polarisation in the country.
Trump was elected president, capping a remarkable comeback four years after he was voted out of the White House and ushering in a new American leadership likely to test democratic institutions at home and relations abroad.
The former president’s victory in the swing state of Wisconsin pushed him over the threshold.
“America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” Trump said early on Wednesday to a roaring crowd of supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Centre in Florida.
Trump’s political career had appeared to be over after his false claims of election fraud led a mob of supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in a failed bid to overturn his 2020 defeat.
However, he swept away challengers inside his Republican Party and then beat Democratic candidate Kamala Harris by capitalising on voter concerns about high prices and what Trump claimed, without evidence, was a rise in crime due to illegal immigration.
Harris did not speak to supporters who had gathered at her alma mater Howard University. Her campaign co-chair, Cedric Richmond, briefly addressed the crowd after midnight, saying Harris would speak publicly later on Wednesday.
“We still have votes to count,” he said.
Republicans won a U.S. Senate majority, but neither party appeared to have an edge in the fight for control of the House of Representatives where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority.
Voters identified jobs and the economy as the country’s most pressing problem, according to Reuters/Ipsos opinion polls.
Many Americans remained frustrated by higher prices even amid record-high stock markets, fast-growing wages and low unemployment.
With the administration of President Joe Biden taking much of the blame, a majority of voters said they trusted Trump more than Harris to address the issue.
Hispanics, traditionally Democratic voters, and lower-income households hit hardest by inflation helped fuel Trump’s election victory.
His loyal base of rural, white and non-college-educated voters again showed up in force.
Trump prevailed in spite of persistently low approval ratings. Impeached twice, he has been criminally indicted four times and found civilly liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
In May, Trump was convicted by a New York jury of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to a porn star.
His victory will have major implications for U.S. trade and climate change policies, the war in Ukraine, Americans’ taxes and immigration.
His tariff proposals could spark a fiercer trade war with China and U.S. allies, while his pledges to reduce corporate taxes and implement a spate of new cuts could balloon U.S. debt, economists say.
Trump has promised to launch a mass deportation campaign targeting immigrants in the country illegally.
He has said he wants the authority to fire civil servants he views as disloyal. His opponents fear he will turn the Justice Department and other federal law enforcement agencies into political weapons to investigate perceived enemies.
A second Trump presidency could drive a bigger wedge between Democrats and Republicans on issues such as race, gender, what and how children are taught, and reproductive rights.
Trump has vowed to reshape the executive branch, including firing civil servants he views as disloyal and using federal law enforcement agencies to investigate his political enemies, violating what has been a longstanding policy of keeping such agencies independent.
During his first term, Trump’s most extreme demands were sometimes stymied by his own cabinet members, most notably when Vice President Mike Pence refused to block Congress from accepting the 2020 election results.
Once the 2024 vote is certified by Congress on Jan. 6, Trump and his vice president, U.S. Senator JD Vance, are due to take office on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.
Throughout his two-year-long campaign, Trump has signaled he will prioritise personal fealty in staffing his administration.
He promised roles in his administration to Musk and former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., both avid supporters.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK-US special relationship will “continue to prosper” following Donald Trump’s “historic election victory”.
Trump declared he had won a “magnificent victory for the American people” as he appeared on track to return to the White House as 47th president of the US.
Starmer will be keen to build bridges with Trump after the Republican politician’s campaign filed a legal complaint about Labour activists supporting Kamala Harris.
The prime minister said: “Congratulations president-elect Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.
“As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.
“From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”
The return of Trump to the White House could cause diplomatic headaches for the UK, with potential splits on trade policy and US support for Ukraine and Nato.
“According to President Tinubu, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership. He congratulates them on their commitment to democracy.
“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th president will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.,”
Acknowledging the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, the Nigerian leader trusts that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.
“And don’t let them slow ball you. You have an absolute legal right and get that vote in because if we win Pennsylvania, if we win the good old Commonwealth, we’re going to win the whole thing. We win everything,” Trump said.
Pennsylvania is seen by Trump and his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, as must-win as they both seek to capture the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
Victory in the north-eastern state would give either of them 19 electoral votes – the most of any of the seven so-called swing states that are likely to determine who goes to the White House.
Polls in Pennsylvania closed at 8 pm (0100 GMT) but voters in line at that time will still be allowed to cast their ballots.
