Donald Trump secured a historic comeback victory Tuesday night in the 2024 presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to become the first defeated president in 132 years to reclaim the White House.
Trump expressed confidence after casting his vote Tuesday in Palm Beach, Florida, accompanied by his wife Melania Trump.
Wearing his signature “Make America Great Again” hat and an “I voted” sticker, Trump addressed reporters about reported issues at polling stations nationwide. He specifically highlighted concerns about Pennsylvania, where problems scanning ballots emerged in Cambria and Bedford counties, both Republican strongholds.
“I’m hearing in Pennsylvania they won’t have an answer until two or three days from now. I think it’s an absolute outrage if that’s the case,” Trump stated. He indicated he would accept defeat in a “fair” election, saying, “If it’s a fair election I would be the most willing person to acknowledge it if I lost. And so far I think it’s been fair.”
The former president’s victory marks several unprecedented milestones, including becoming the first person convicted of a felony to assume the presidency.
Trump achieved victory by winning crucial battleground states including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. He also became the first Republican to win the popular vote since 2004.
World leaders began issuing congratulatory messages shortly after the race was called. The stock market responded positively to the news, though analysts noted potential implications for U.S. support of Ukraine given Trump’s previous skepticism about continued aid.
Trump’s victory comes despite his May 2024 conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York State Supreme Court. The case involved a scheme to conceal damaging information during the 2016 presidential campaign through a series of payments, including $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
His scheduled November 26 sentencing now faces potential delays or procedural challenges due to his election victory. Legal experts suggest his return to the White House could effectively shield him from various legal proceedings.
The election saw heavy turnout across the nation, with particularly strong showings in battleground states. Kentucky’s nine electoral votes contributed to Trump’s victory, though Harris maintained support in the state’s urban areas.