Silke Mayr Donald Trump has claimed victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential race, securing crucial battleground states including Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina. With these wins, the Republican candidate is now on the verge of reclaiming the White House, having gained 267 electoral votes—just three shy of the 270 needed to seal the presidency.
The Associated Press called Pennsylvania for Trump at 2:24 AM, marking a significant moment in the race, as the state was pivotal in Trump’s path to victory. Trump’s triumph in Pennsylvania follows earlier successes in Georgia and North Carolina, positioning him to sweep the remaining swing states and take the presidency once again.
Trump addressed supporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida shortly after the Pennsylvania results were announced, celebrating what he described as a “golden age” ahead for the U.S. “This country has given us a powerful mandate, and we are now set for an incredible new chapter in American history,” Trump said, adding that the results represented an “unprecedented victory.”
JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, joined in the celebrations, calling the outcome the “greatest political comeback” in American history. Vance also praised the strength of their coalition, calling it a victory for the American people and a turning point in the nation’s political landscape.
Pennsylvania Pushes Trump to the Brink of Victory
Trump’s victory in Pennsylvania was particularly significant, as it was one of the states that helped Joe Biden secure his win in 2020. The win boosted Trump’s electoral count to 267, leaving him just three votes away from clinching the presidency. Results from other key battleground states continued to show Trump holding a strong lead, with a full sweep of the swing states now within reach.
International leaders quickly responded to the news, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailing Trump’s “historic comeback” and France’s President Emmanuel Macron congratulating the Republican on his victory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also sent his congratulations, emphasizing his appreciation for Trump’s “peace through strength” approach to global diplomacy, which he hoped would help bring peace to Ukraine.
Harris Campaign Concedes Defeat
As Trump’s path to victory grew clearer, the mood in the Harris campaign began to shift. Cedric Richmond, a senior adviser to the vice president, confirmed that Harris would no longer attend her planned election-night event in Washington, a sign that the campaign was preparing for a potential loss.
While Harris won in traditionally Democratic states like California and New York, Trump’s victories in the critical battleground states continued to extend his lead. His wins in Texas, Iowa, Florida, and other states demonstrated strong support from key voter bases, while Harris’s path to the presidency narrowed with each passing hour.
Though Harris held on in some of the Democratic strongholds, it became increasingly clear that Trump was on track to take the necessary electoral votes to secure a second term.
Republicans Take Control of the Senate
In addition to Trump’s gains, Republicans were also set to retake control of the Senate. The party had already flipped seats in states like West Virginia and Ohio, and the final tally of Senate races indicated that Republicans were poised to regain the majority. Control of the House of Representatives remained uncertain early Wednesday morning, with several tight races still too close to call.
The international markets responded to Trump’s momentum, with investors sending both the U.S. dollar and Bitcoin surging. The strong showing in the battleground states indicated to global markets that Trump was on the brink of winning the White House again, further boosting confidence in his economic policies.
Key Voter Issues: Democracy, Economy, and Social Concerns
Exit polls revealed that the top concerns for voters were the future of American democracy (cited by 35% of respondents), followed closely by the economy (31%). Abortion was a key issue for 14% of voters, while immigration concerned 11%.
As the night wore on, Harris continued to monitor the returns from her residence in Washington. Despite early wins in some Democratic states, the overall trend pointed toward a decisive victory for Trump.
Election Day Tensions and Security Concerns
The 2024 campaign had been fraught with tension, including security threats and dramatic moments, such as Joe Biden suspending his campaign and endorsing Harris. On Election Day, security concerns remained high, with the FBI investigating multiple bomb threats against polling locations in several states. These threats, which appeared to have originated from Russian email domains, temporarily disrupted voting in Georgia. However, a state judge extended voting hours in affected areas to compensate for the delays.
Despite these threats, voting continued across the nation, and the counting of ballots proceeded without major incidents.
Trump Nears the Finish Line
With the final votes still being counted, Trump’s path to victory became increasingly evident. His success in Pennsylvania, combined with strong performances in other battleground states, left him in a commanding position. Harris, despite some early victories in Democratic-leaning states, was left with few remaining routes to secure the necessary votes to win.
As the night came to a close, it was clear that the 2024 election had taken an unexpected turn. Trump’s victory was now all but assured, and the U.S. prepared for a new chapter in its political history under his leadership. The unprecedented comeback had captivated the nation and the world, and the next few days would confirm the outcome of what had been one of the most contentious elections in recent memory.