Donald Trump declared victory in the 2024 US presidential election, promising to “heal” the nation, following a dramatic night that saw him edge closer to defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Although Fox News was the first to announce Trump’s victory, no other major US networks had confirmed the results at the time of his speech.

During his address at his campaign headquarters in Florida, Trump, joined by his wife Melania and children, spoke to a crowd of jubilant supporters who cheered and shouted “USA.” “We are going to help our country heal,” he said, adding, “It’s a political victory that our country has never seen before.”

As of the latest updates, Trump had secured crucial swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina. Despite some states still pending results, his lead in those regions gave him a significant advantage. The mood at Harris’s campaign headquarters quickly turned somber as the results unfolded. Cedric Richmond, Harris’s campaign co-chair, announced to supporters, “You won’t hear from the vice president tonight, but you will hear from her tomorrow.”

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In a further blow to Harris’s prospects, Trump’s Republican Party gained control of the Senate, flipping two key seats. This shift in the Senate raised concerns among Democrats, especially as Trump’s return to the White House could revive his controversial nationalist policies, which have raised alarms among US allies globally.

While the political atmosphere in the United States was tense, financial markets responded positively to Trump’s projected victory, with the US dollar surging and bitcoin hitting a record high. This optimism in the financial markets contrasted sharply with the mood at Harris’s watch party, where many expressed concern and anxiety. “I am scared,” said one attendee, describing her feelings as results continued to roll in.

In contrast, Trump’s supporters celebrated at Mar-a-Lago, with high-profile figures like tech mogul Elon Musk publicly supporting Trump’s victory. Musk posted on social media, “Game, set, and match,” signaling his belief in Trump’s success.

This historic election is poised to make history, with Trump, at 78, potentially becoming the oldest president to serve a second non-consecutive term. However, his victory comes amid ongoing legal battles, including his sentencing for a criminal case later this month.

The race was not only a fierce political contest but also marred by concerns over election security, with bomb threats reported at polling stations in Georgia and Pennsylvania, allegedly originating from Russia. While the threats were later deemed hoaxes, they succeeded in creating tension across the country.