US Election Results: From Harris accepting defeat to world leaders congratulating Trump, US basks in red wave

While President-elect Donald Trump won the 2024 US presidential elections, he won’t take office until January 20, 2025, and there are multiple things that will happen between now and then. Here’s a look at some of the key dates ahead of the inauguration day.

• December 11: Deadline for states to issue Certificates of Ascertainment
• December 17: Electors vote in their states
• January 3: New Congress begins
• January 6: Congress counts electoral votes
• January 20: Inauguration Day

Trump waves at the crowd at a watch party in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, November 5. AP

According to DDHQ, President-elect Donald Trump is projected to win Arizona, another major battleground state. Arizona is one of seven swing states that held the key to whether Trump or Vice President Harris returned to the White House. The Grand Canyon State went for Trump in 2016 by 3.5 points, but the former president narrowly lost it in 2020 against President Biden by just over a quarter of a percentage point.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden. AP

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message to Trump on his win, a day after President-elect in the 2024 polls. Xi said China and the US must “get along in the new era” and urged the two countries to strengthen communication and dialogue, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

In this file image, former US President Donald Trump poses for a photo with Chinese President Xi Jinping. AP

The FBI issued a warning on Wednesday of additional fabricated videos that misuse its name and insignia to undermine confidence in the electoral system. One of the videos falsely claims that the FBI was made aware that at least 301 electors reported attempted bribery and blackmail by a political party.

The FBI says each of the videos contains false information.

File Image: AP

Melania Trump has vowed to “safeguard” America’s freedom.

“The majority of Americans have entrusted us with this important responsibility,” she said.

“I anticipate the citizens of our nation rejoining in commitment to each other and rising above ideology for the sake of individual liberty, economic prosperity, and security,” she added.

The majority of Americans have entrusted us with this important responsibility.
 
We will safeguard the heart of our republic – freedom.  I anticipate the citizens of our nation rejoining in commitment to each other and rising above ideology for the sake of individual liberty,…

— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) November 6, 2024

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters on Thursday he had held a phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump. He noted that the conversation “in a nutshell, he was very friendly”.

Ishiba said the pair had agreed to organise a face-to-face meeting “as soon as possible”, adding: “I had the impression that he is the kind of person who I will be able to talk to candidly”.

Japan’s PM Shigeru Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost a parliamentary majority in the elections. (Photo: Reuters)

Democratic Represenative Jimmy Gomez won re-election to the US House of Representatives. Gomez will be representating from the state of California. He defeated fellow Democrat and children’s court attorney David Kim, who was running against him for the third time in a row. Gomez was first elected to Congress in 2017.

The district is almost entirely in the city of Los Angeles and is majority Hispanic with a sizeable Asian American and white population as well. Roughly 20 per cent live in poverty, and it is one of the poorest districts in the state.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said that he is grateful to the millions of Americans who “stood up for our greatest ideals” in a statement on Wednesday.

“While the outcome is not what we wanted, I am grateful to the millions of Americans who joined our campaign and stood up for our greatest ideals: decency, compassion, and love of our neighbour,” he said.

“Now more than ever, we need you to continue fighting for those values and the country we all love,” Walz added. He also thanked Kamala Harris for “the honour and privilege of my life”.

While the outcome is not what we wanted, I am grateful to the millions of Americans who joined our campaign and stood up for our greatest ideals: decency, compassion, and love of our neighbor.

Now more than ever, we need you to continue fighting for those values and the country…

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) November 7, 2024

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders slammed Democrat leaders for ‘abandoning working class’. “It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them,” he wrote in an open letter.

“First, it was the white working class, and now it is Latino and Black workers as well,” he added.

It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them.

While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change.

And they’re right. pic.twitter.com/lM2gSJmQFL

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) November 6, 2024

Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he and Trump have spoken over the phone after the latter’s win in the 2024 US Presidential elections. The pair had “agreed to maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation”.

I had an excellent call with President @realDonaldTrump and congratulated him on his historic landslide victory—his tremendous campaign made this result possible. I praised his family and team for their great work.

We agreed to maintain close dialogue and advance our…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 6, 2024

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has spoken to Donald Trump and congratulated him on his victory.

“Good to speak this morning with President Trump to personally congratulate him on his election victory. We talked about the importance of the Alliance, and the strength of the Australia-US relationship in security, AUKUS, trade and investment,” Albanese wrote on X.

“I look forward to working together in the interests of both our countries,” he added.

Good to speak this morning with President Trump to personally congratulate him on his election victory.

We talked about the importance of the Alliance, and the strength of the Australia-US relationship in security, AUKUS, trade and investment.

I look forward to working…

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 7, 2024

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Junior congratulated Trump ‘on victory that showed world strength of American values’.

“President Trump has won, and the American people have triumphed. I congratulate them on their victory in an exercise that showed the world the strength of American values,” he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

President Trump has won, and the American people have triumphed. I congratulate them on their victory in an exercise that showed the world the strength of American values.

We look forward to working with President Trump on a wide range of issues that will yield mutual benefits… pic.twitter.com/uaQShypkm8

— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) November 6, 2024

Democratic politician Eugene Vindman won Virginia’s most competitive congressional race on Wednesday. Vindman defeated his opponent in a blow to the GOP’s hopes of flipping the open House seat.

Vindman beat Republican Derrick Anderson by a close margin after conservatives targeted the House seat. Democratic US Representative Abigail Spanberger, the district’s three-term incumbent, decided to run for governor in 2025 – presenting an opening in the battleground district.

The former army officer blew whistle alongside his brother during then-President Donald Trump’s first impeachment.

Army Lt. Col. Yevgeny Vindman testifies before the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, on 19 November 2019. AP

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon congratulated President-elect Donald Trump for winning the 2024 US presidential election. Luxon said that he looks forward to closer relations with the incoming administration.

Luxon said the relationship between the US and New Zealand is “strong and enduring” and he hopes the two nations will continue to advance their shared interests.

“The US is one of our most important partners, our second largest export destination, and a major source of global innovation and growth. Our long-standing cooperation both bilaterally and in our region has helped ensure our prosperity and security,” the NZ PM told Trump.

“I would like to commend the vibrant relationship between our two countries and the breadth of cooperation we have enjoyed during President Biden’s tenure. I admire his dedication to public service and the American people,” he added.

Christopher Luxon, leader of New Zealand’s National Party waves to supporters. Reuters File

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, former US President Bill Clinton and former First Lady Hillary Clinton congratulated Donald Trump and JD Vance’s victory in the 2024 US Presidential Elections. The Clintons said that “America is bigger than the results of any one election,” acknowledging the disappointment of those who did not support them.

Our statement on the result of the 2024 election. pic.twitter.com/1YYdGElPMP

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) November 6, 2024

After a phone call between US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, the latter’s campaign said that he has accepted the invitation to meet Biden at the White House.

“President Joe Biden called President Donald J Trump to congratulate him on his victory and extended an invitation to the White House to ensure a smooth transition between the current administration and the incoming administration. President Trump looks forward to the meeting, which will take place shortly, and very much appreciated the call,” communications director Steven Cheung said on Wednesday.

US President Joe Biden who ended his campaign for a second term in July and paved the way for Harris’s bid for presidency lauded the vice president’s strength after the election loss. “What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire. She’s been a tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character,” Biden said, shortly after Harris had publicly conceded the race to Trump in a speech to supporters in Washington DC.

The POTUS signalled that Harris would continue to champion the issues she had campaigned on. “Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what’s possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is freer, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans,” Biden emphasised.

“As I’ve said before, selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made when I became the nominee for president in 2020. It was the best decision I made. Her story represents the best of America’s story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story. She will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy,” he added.

Democratic presidential nominee US Vice President Kamala Harris and US President Joe Biden on stage with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, left, and first lady Jill Biden, right, during the Democratic National Convention, August 19, 2024, in Chicago, US. AP

While the results of the 2024 US presidential election have been called, President-elect Donald Trump won the three electorates from the state of Alaska. As of around 6 pm (local time), the Republican had secured 295 electoral college votes, compared to Kamala Harris’s 226.

It is pertinent to note that key swing states Arizona and Nevada are yet to be called, as votes are still being processed. However, both states appeared to be leaning toward Trump.

Donald Trump. Reuters File

Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren released a video, giving her take on President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 US Presidential Elections. “I will not ask you to look for any silver linings,” she began her video. “I will not ask you to feel anything but grief right now. Donald Trump won the election, and the consequences will be real and devastating,” Warren said, insisting that there will be “opportunities to fight back”.

“The far right wants us to feel powerless. Extremists are counting on apathy, cynicism, heartbreak, or all of the above as their rocket fuel. They are counting on us to point fingers at each other and to lose trust in our ability to ever, ever make change. I absolutely refuse to give them that satisfaction,” she added.

My message about the election results: pic.twitter.com/Z1X9F6jWik

— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) November 6, 2024

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer called President-elect Donald Trump and extended “hearty congratulations” for the election victory. A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister spoke to President-elect Donald Trump this evening to congratulate him on his historic victory.

“The Prime Minister offered his hearty congratulations and said he looked forward to working closely with president-elect Trump across all areas of the special relationship.”

“The Prime Minister also reflected on the situation in the Middle East and underscored the importance of regional stability … The leaders fondly recalled their meeting in September, and President-elect Trump’s close connections and affinity to the United Kingdom and looked forward to working with one another,” the No. 10 official furthered.

Former US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who had been rallying for Kamala Harris in the final stretch of the campaign, have issued a statement congratulating Donald Trump and JD Vance on their victory.

“This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues. But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view won’t always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power,” the couple said in the state released on Wednesday.

” America has been through a lot over the last few 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. Those conditions have created headwinds for democratic incumbents around the world, and last night showed that America is not immune.”

“The good news is that these problems are solvable – but only if we listen to each other, and only if we abide by the core constitutional principles and democratic norms that made this country great,” the furthered.

Former US first lady Michelle Obama greets her husband, former US President Barack Obama, on stage during Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, US, August 20, 2024. Reuters

Harris said, ‘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 resolve…The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, but hear me when I say: the light of America’s promise will always burn bright.”

She further stressed to her supporters that they “must accept the results of this election.”

Watch Harris’s speech here:

The vice president is expected to concede the election in the speech.

House Speaker emerita Nancy Pelosi, White House adviser Tom Perez and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser are among the crowd waiting for Harris to speak at Howard, AP reported.

Some Democrats are beginning to blame President Biden for not stepping away earlier. They are of the view that he constrained Harris to a truncated campaign.

Biden dropped his re-election bid in July this year following pressure from his own party. The push grew strong quickly following Biden’s presidential debate against Trump, where he fumbled quite a lot.

AP: President Joe Biden has called President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his election victory and to invite him to the White House to discuss the transition.

The White House said staff would coordinate a date “in the near future.” Biden plans to address the nation on the election results, which will have sharp implications for his legacy on Thursday. Biden also spoke with Vice President Harris to congratulate her on her campaign.

Elon Musk, SpaceX & Tesla head: “It is morning in America again,” posted Musk on X.

Sundar Pichai, Google & Alphabet CEO: “Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his decisive victory. We are in a golden age of American innovation and are committed to working with his administration to help bring the benefits to everyone.”

Tim Cook, Apple CEO: “Congratulations President Trump on your victory! We look forward to engaging with you and your administration to help make sure the United States continues to lead with and be fueled by ingenuity, innovation, and creativity.”

Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder: “Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory. No nation has bigger opportunities. Wishing @realDonaldTrump all success in leading and uniting the America we all love,” Bezos posted.

Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO: “congrats to President Trump. i wish for his huge success in the job. it is critically important that the US maintains its lead in developing AI with democratic values,” Altman wrote.

Harris called President-elect Trump on Wednesday afternoon to congratulate him on his election victory, AP quoted a senior aide of hers as saying.

The aide said Harris discussed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power with Trump ahead of her planned concession speech Wednesday afternoon.

The Associated Press has called the Swing state of Michigan for Trump. This means that the Republican and now President-elect, has done what he did back in 2016 once more– knocking down the Blue Wall that has typically supported Democratic candidates.

The race came down to the final results from Wayne County, where Harris wasn’t able to match Biden’s 2020 winning margin in the Democratic-dominated county that’s home to Detroit.

With Donald Trump’s victory in Michigan, he completes a sweep of the Great Lakes “Blue Wall” states that Kamala Harris had considered her smoothest path to victory.

Trump managed the same sweep of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania in 2016, when he defeated Hillary Clinton. President Joe Biden outpaced Trump in those states in 2020.

Unlike Clinton’s campaign in 2016, Harris campaigned heavily across the region through September and October. The vice president spent all day Sunday in Michigan, but she was unable to match Biden’s level of support

Donald Trump’s return to the White House, despite multiple criminal and civil charges, raises complex legal questions regarding presidential immunity and pardon powers. He faces significant cases across state and federal levels:

New York hush money case: Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. Since this is a state case, Trump cannot pardon himself if the conviction is upheld. A ruling on his presidential immunity argument is expected soon.

Federal election interference case: Trump is accused of attempting to block the 2020 election certification. He has vowed to dismiss Special Counsel Jack Smith, who leads the investigation. His lawyers argue that presidential immunity should narrow the charges, but the courts’ stance on prosecuting a sitting president remains unclear.

Federal classified documents case: This case involves Trump’s alleged retention of classified documents. Though initially dismissed, it could be reinstated if the appeal is successful. Trump may attempt a self-pardon, though this remains legally untested.

Georgia racketeering case: State prosecutors charged Trump with racketeering in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. As a state case, he cannot self-pardon here, and his legal team is working to delay proceedings.

Trump’s re-election provides him federal-level immunity for now, shielding him from immediate prosecution and allowing his legal team to leverage constitutional arguments to delay state cases.

Read about this in detail here .

Had a great conversation with my friend, President @realDonaldTrump, congratulating him on his spectacular victory. Looking forward to working closely together once again to further strengthen India-US relations across technology, defence, energy, space and several other sectors.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2024

Harris will deliver a concession speech Wednesday at 4 pm, her office has announced. She will speak at Howard University, her alma mater in Washington.

Apart from conceding as one of the two leading candidates in the race, Harris has a responsibility to verify the results of the election as the Vice President, too.

On his first day in office, Donald Trump has outlined several decisive actions he has said he would take (over the course fo many interviews and rallies). He claimed he would be a dictator on Day 1.

He plans to close the US border and increase domestic energy production by expanding drilling. He has also stated he would fire Special Counsel Jack Smith, who prosecuted two criminal cases against him, aiming to remove Smith “within two seconds” of taking office.

Trump intends to begin “the largest deportation operation in American history” to address immigration, aiming to reverse Biden’s border policies. Additionally, he would consider pardoning some individuals convicted in relation to the January 6 Capitol attack, whom he believes were wrongfully imprisoned.

Trump would cut off federal funds to schools that teach critical race theory or transgender-related topics and would also stop funding for schools that mandate masks or vaccines. Finally, he has expressed plans to repeal specific executive orders issued by President Joe Biden, including those involving artificial intelligence expansion and stricter background checks for gun purchases.

Vice President Kamala Harris has yet to formally concede the presidential race, despite Donald Trump securing over 270 electoral votes needed for victory.

Harris was scheduled to speak at Howard University, her alma mater, but canceled as results showed Trump’s clear path to the presidency. Her campaign co-chair, Cedric Richmond, emphasised the importance of counting every vote, stating that the team remains focused on ensuring election integrity.

Interestingly, as the Vice President, Harris will have to verify the results of the electio.

The Constitution of the US names the vice president of the country as the president of the Senate. In addition to serving as presiding officer, the vice president formally presides over the receiving and counting of electoral ballots cast in presidential elections.

Experts warn that Trump’s return to the White House and his protectionist trade policies could harm the global economy, leading to new trade wars, inflation, and reduced growth. Trump’s proposed tariffs—60 per cent on Chinese imports and 10 per cent on other imports—could trigger retaliations from major economies like the EU and China, potentially costing the US $749 billion, the EU $533 billion, and China $827 billion by 2029. While emerging markets like India and Brazil may feel less impact, the global economy could shrink by 0.75 per cent, with global trade down 3 per cent by 2030.

Oxford Economics forecasts minor short-term impacts but expects slight growth boosts in 2026-2027 due to U.S. fiscal policy changes. However, international cooperation could weaken, further dampening trade and growth, according to Tara Varma of the Brookings Institution.

Trump’s policies could also drive inflation higher. The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimates an inflation increase of 2-4 per cent in China, with US inflation rising due to potential labor shortages if unauthorised immigrants are expelled, impacting 8.3 million workers. This inflation spike could disrupt central banks’ plans to cut interest rates, which were expected to support economic recovery.

A potential US-China trade war could further stifle growth, with the IMF warning that Asia, responsible for 60 per cent of global growth, would suffer.

Vice President Kamala Harris is likely to address the country and her supporters at her alma mater Howard University on Wednesday afternoon, according to an NBC News report, citing a campaign co-chair.

Kamala Harris hosted her election night watch party at Howard University on Tuesday, which served as her campaign headquarters.

While she did not address her supporters last evening, her campaign co-chair assured them she would speak on Wednesday.

Experts suggest Trump’s return to power could favour Israeli interests, though some caution that his unpredictable nature could pose challenges, AFP reported.

Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, were quick to congratulate Trump, with polls showing broad support among Israelis. Trump’s past policies, like recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, supporting Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and backing West Bank settlements, bolstered Israeli support for his re-election.

Analysts anticipate a second Trump term might include tougher policies on Iran, which could benefit Israel’s security, as well as continued US military support without the conditions imposed under President Biden. However, Trump’s volatile approach could complicate matters, as seen in past disputes with Netanyahu.

Some experts, like Mairav Zonszein, note that Trump may not fully endorse Israel’s policies toward Palestinians and West Bank annexation, pointing to his mixed views on the Abraham Accords and previous reservations about Israel’s annexation plans.