In a stunning outcome, former US President Donald Trump has defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to secure a second term as president, following a dramatic and unpredictable 2024 election, according to media reports.
Trump celebrated his victory at a packed event in West Palm Beach, Florida, where his supporters cheered, danced, and waved MAGA (Make America Great Again) hats in the air as results from key battleground states came in.
Trump delivered a victory speech at his election night party, thanking his supporters and reflecting on the challenges his campaign overcame. "We’ve faced obstacles that no one thought we could overcome," Trump said, proudly looking back at the tough road his campaign traveled. "But we did it. We won, and we made history tonight."
Trump’s speech focused not just on his victory, but on what comes next. He promised to keep fighting for the American people, vowing, "Every single day, I will be fighting for you with every breath in my body." He added that his goal was to make America strong, safe, and prosperous again. “We’re going to fix everything about our country. Tonight, we’ve proven we can achieve the most incredible political victory," Trump said.
Trump also praised his running mate, Senator JD Vance, who has been a key ally throughout the campaign. Vance, a strong supporter of Trump’s vision for America, called the victory the "greatest political comeback in American history." He also highlighted Trump’s leadership as essential to the campaign’s success. "Under President Trump’s leadership, we will fight for your dreams and the future of your children," Vance told the crowd. Both Trump and Vance promised to work tirelessly to improve the nation’s economy and create a better future for Americans.
Though Vance will have limited power as vice president, his selection as Trump’s running mate has led many to see him as a possible candidate for president in 2028. The crowd at the victory party responded enthusiastically as Trump and Vance stood together, pledging to continue their efforts for the country.
Throughout the night, Trump’s supporters celebrated as they watched the results from critical battleground states come in. The former president made strong showings in key regions such as the South and Midwest, which helped push him closer to victory.
UFC President Dana White, a vocal Trump supporter, was also present at the victory event. White praised Trump’s resilience and leadership, calling him "the most resilient person I’ve ever met." White’s support for Trump throughout the campaign helped connect the former president with many sports fans, especially those in the MMA community.
Trump’s victory was boosted by wins in several crucial swing states, including North Carolina and Georgia. These victories helped increase his lead in the race, bringing him closer to the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. Trump’s campaign is now focused on securing a few more states, such as Alaska, which would put him over the top and secure his return to the White House.
Meanwhile, Kamala Harris’s campaign has acknowledged the reality of the situation. Harris, who had been hoping for a breakthrough in the final hours of the election, decided not to speak to her supporters that night. Many of her supporters began to leave her event as it became clear that the chances of a win were slim.
The race became even more decisive when Trump claimed Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes. The Associated Press reported that Trump had won the state, a major boost in his path to victory. With Pennsylvania now in his column, Trump is looking to secure other remaining battlegrounds to ensure his second term. A win in any of these states would give him the necessary electoral votes to officially reclaim the presidency.
As the night drew to a close, Trump’s supporters were jubilant, confident that their candidate had delivered on his promises and overcome every challenge in his way. Trump’s victory marks a historic moment in American politics, as he becomes the first president in over two decades to win a second non-consecutive term.
In stark contrast and against tradition, US Vice President Harris refused to concede the elections and address supporters at her election watch party after suffering a drubbing from Trump. The move was called out even by Democrats as unbecoming of a politician of her stature and a main electoral candidate.