- Donald Trump declared victory in the 2024 election, citing key wins in swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina
- He gave a victory speech in Florida with his family by his side
- Trump's projected victory has sent global markets soaring, with the US dollar climbing and Bitcoin hitting record highs as investors react to the possibility of a pro-business, conservative administration
Despite that the United States presidential election is far from over, Donald Trump has claimed victory over Kamala Harris.
His exuberant announcement came early Wednesday, November 6, despite only Fox News declaring him the winner, while other networks had yet to make a final call on the tight election.
Trump, speaking from his campaign headquarters in Florida, pledged to “heal” the nation, promising a new era of leadership.
The former president, flanked by his wife Melania and several of his children, addressed a jubilant crowd of supporters, many chanting “USA” as he took the stage.
“This is a victory that our country has never seen before. We’re going to help our country heal,” Trump declared.
“This political triumph transcends anything we’ve witnessed in our history.”
As of the early hours of Wednesday morning, key swing states—Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina—had been called for Trump, giving him a lead in the race.
Despite the ongoing counting of ballots, Trump’s performance in these crucial battlegrounds appeared to secure his path to victory.
His commanding leads in these states put him ahead of Harris in other critical areas as well.
However, the results were still being determined, with networks refraining from declaring a winner across the board.
Cedric Richmond, campaign co-chair for Harris, struck a defiant tone at a watch party in Washington, D.C., suggesting that the vice president would address supporters the following day.
“You won’t hear from the vice president tonight, but you will hear from her tomorrow,” Richmond told the crowd as many supporters, visibly disheartened, began to leave the venue.
Republicans take control of Senate
In addition to Trump’s potential victory, the Republican Party claimed control of the Senate, flipping two seats to overturn the narrow Democratic majority.
This marks a significant political shift, leaving the Democrats grappling with the prospect of a divided Congress.
Global reactions and market movements
A Trump victory threatens to send shockwaves through global politics. Many of the United States' allies in Europe and Asia expressed concern over a potential return to Trump’s “America First” policies, particularly his fondness for autocratic leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
However, financial markets responded positively to the news, with the US dollar surging and Bitcoin hitting a record high as investors bet on the likelihood of a Trump win. Equity markets also advanced, with traders eager to respond to the possibility of a more business-friendly administration.
Celebrations at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago and beyond
In stark contrast, celebrations erupted at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where the mood was electric. Among those joining in the festivities was tech mogul and X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk, who has publicly backed Trump and has indicated that he would be willing to lead a government efficiency commission under a second Trump administration.
Nigerians take sides in US election as Trump, Harris go head to head for presidency
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigerians were divided in their support for Harris and Trump in the US 2024 presidential elections.
While the Nigerian government had refrained from endorsing any US presidential candidates, many Nigerians were quick to share their opinions.
