Republican Donald Trump has won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, achieving the necessary 270 electoral votes across seven battleground states.

World leaders extended congratulations, and Trump addressed a cheering crowd in Florida, pledging to work for a “strong, safe, and prosperous America.”

With Joe Biden’s term ending on January 20, 2025, his administration has vowed a peaceful transition. Key dates from Election Day to Inauguration ensure a smooth process, including state result certifications, transition briefings, and the formal Electoral College vote on December 17.

Biden’s attendance at the inauguration will underscore the peaceful transfer of power.

The campaign team for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has announced that the vice president will not be addressing her supporters on election night as her path to the White House appears to be narrowing.

Cedric Richmond, a co-chair of Harris’ campaign, spoke to the press in the early hours of Wednesday, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the election results.

“We still have votes to count, and several states have not been called yet,” Richmond said.

He emphasized that the campaign would continue working through the night to ensure every vote is counted and every voice is heard.

“You won’t hear from the vice president tonight, but she will speak to you tomorrow,” he added, reinforcing the campaign’s commitment to seeing the process through.

Earlier that day, as voting wrapped up across the country, Harris shared her plans for election night.

She mentioned having dinner with her family at her Washington, D.C., residence before attending an election watch party at Howard University, the historically black college where she earned her undergraduate degree.

Harris, who has always been vocal about the importance of her alma mater, would have felt a strong connection to the university community as they awaited the results.

Howard University, renowned for its rich history and its role in shaping the careers of many influential African American leaders, holds a special place in Harris’ heart.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the political spectrum, former U.S. President Donald Trump seemed to be gaining ground in his bid to return to the White House.

U.S. broadcasters had called North Carolina and Georgia, two crucial battleground states, in favour of the Republican candidate.

Republican nominee Donald Trump declared victory in the United States presidential race after securing four of the seven battleground states.

At a rally in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump addressed a large crowd, expressing deep gratitude for being entrusted once again with leading the country.

“I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected as your 47th president, and your 45th president as well,” Trump stated, acknowledging both his new role and his previous term.

“I will be fighting for you with every breath in my body.

I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe, and prosperous America that our children deserve and that you deserve.”

The atmosphere was electric, with his supporters erupting in cheers and chants, celebrating his return to the Oval Office.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed Trump’s win, calling him the president-elect.

As Trump moved closer to securing the crucial 270 electoral votes needed to claim the presidency, prominent figures from the Republican party and Trump’s campaign expressed confidence in his victory, with news agencies like Reuters reporting updates throughout the day.

Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee and current vice president, has so far garnered 205 electoral votes.

Her campaign co-chair, Cedric Richmond, assured supporters that Harris is not conceding and will address the public tomorrow.

Speaking to a gathering of Democratic supporters, Richmond emphasized that counting is still underway in key states, with some results still pending.

“We still have votes to count. We still have states that have not been called yet,” he remarked, calling for patience.

“We will continue overnight, to fight to make sure that every vote is counted, that every voice has spoken.” Richmond’s comments reflect the campaign’s commitment to ensuring an accurate and thorough count, particularly in states where the results remain close.

This election season was marked by intense campaigning and a fierce rivalry between Trump and Harris, with both candidates vying for control over swing states to secure their place in the White House.

After a rigorous and often contentious race, Trump’s success in the battleground states puts him at an electoral advantage.

Leading with 267 electoral votes, Trump is on the verge of a decisive win, while Harris currently trails with 214.

The outcome in these crucial swing states, which have historically tipped the balance in close elections, played a pivotal role in Trump’s pathway to victory.

Throughout his campaign, Trump emphasized his commitment to strengthening the economy, enhancing national security, and addressing what he described as fundamental American values.

As a former president, Trump is the first since Grover Cleveland to pursue a non-consecutive second term, underscoring his unique position in modern U.S. political history.

In the days leading up to the election, Trump voiced concerns about potential irregularities in the voting process, specifically pointing to the use of electronic voting machines.

However, he said he would accept the results “if it’s a fair election,” emphasizing his desire for transparency in the counting process.

Casting his vote in Florida on Election Day, Trump conveyed optimism about reclaiming the presidency, describing it as one of the most crucial elections in recent American history.