Kamala Harris ends campaign with a message to young voters during concession speech

Donald Trump has won a historic second term in the White House in a shocking political comeback four years after leaving office.

Trump surpassed the magic number of 270 Electoral College votes early on Wednesday after winning key battleground states and also claiming a majority of 51 percent in the popular vote.

Counting is still underway in Arizona and Nevada but those results will not now alter the outcome.

The president-elect took to the stage with his family and running mate JD Vance earlier to promise a “golden age for America” and hail “the greatest political movement of all time.”

Republicans have also likely taken control of the Senate, a key victory for the party which has been in the minority there since 2021.

Harris called Trump to congratulate him on his victory on Wednesday. She also mentioned the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for the whole of the US.

In her concession speech at Howard University, the vice president said that while she concedes the election, she does not concede the fight that fueled her campaign.

“The fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity of all people, and ideals at the heart of this nation… that is a fight I will never give up.”

Key Points

• Donald Trump defeats Kamala Harris to win the presidency

• Harris to deliver concession speech

• When will Trump officially take office?

• World leaders congratulate Trump on victory

• Trump vs Harris: Live election 2024 results map

Watch: What went wrong for Kamala Harris?

23:10 , Oliver O’Connell

Where did Kamala Harris go wrong?

23:07 , Oliver O’Connell

Steven Cheung, Trump Campaign Communications Director

Zelensky hails ‘strong and unwavering US leadership’ after call with Trump

23:05 , Oliver O’Connell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken with Donald Trump after offering his congratulations in an X post earlier today.

Zelensky posted: “I had an excellent call with President Donald Trump 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 cooperation. Strong and unwavering U.S. leadership is vital for the world and for a just peace.”

Biden: Harris ‘will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy’

23:03 , Oliver O’Connell

President Joe Biden released the following statement following Kamala Harris’s concession speech at Howard University:

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.

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 more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans.

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. She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Above all, she will continue to be a leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America’s future.

Full story: Harris concedes loss to Trump as she addresses supporters at Howard University

23:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Kamala Harris conceded defeat in the 2024 presidential race against Donald Trump in remarks from her alma mater Howard University, formally ending her historic campaign against her Republican rival after her decisive losses in a series of hard-fought battleground states that President Joe Biden won just four years ago.

“My heart is full today,” the vice president said in remarks to supporters from the university campus in Washington DC on Wednesday evening.

“Full of gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve,” she added.

Alex Woodward reports.

Kamala Harris concedes loss to Trump as she address supporters at Howard University

Republican Voters Against Trump vow to fight on

22:50 , Oliver O’Connell

Why the polls got it wrong on Trump — again

22:45 , John Bowden

Kamala Harris’s collapse Tuesday evening was shocking to many in the political press, who had expected a tight election but one that, if anything, looked to be trending in her favor heading into Election Day.

There were real — or so it was thought — signs of her impending success, analysts thought. Buoying the wave of assumptions were two polls released over the weekend showing Harris in a dominant position — one, the J. Ann Selzer-run Des Moines Register poll, showed the vice president leading by 3 percentage points in Iowa. Another, from The New York Times and Siena College, showed her ahead slightly in several battleground states, while Donald Trump had a clear lead in just two: Georgia and Arizona.

Why the polls got it wrong on Trump — again

Watch: Tearful Harris and Walz families watch vice president concession speech

22:40 , Oliver O’Connell

Harris and Walz family in tears as vice president concedes election loss to Trump

Obamas ‘could not be prouder’ of Harris and Walz, while congratulating Trump and Vance

22:35 , Oliver O’Connell

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have released a joint statement regarding the results of the presidential election.

The former president and first lady congratulated Donald Trump and JD Vance on their victory and said they “could not be prouder of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz – two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign”.

Read the full statement below:

“Over the last few weeks and through Election Day, millions of Americans cast their votes – not just for president, but for leaders at every level. Now the results are in, and we want to congratulate President Trump and Senator 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.

“Michelle and I could not be prouder of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz – two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign. And we will always be grateful to the staff and volunteers who poured their heart and soul into electing public servants they truly believed in.

“As I said on the campaign trail, 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.

“In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won’t always see eye-to-eye on everything. But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace – even to people with whom we deeply disagree. That’s how we’ve come this far, and it’s how we’ll keep building a country that is more fair and more just, more equal and more free.”

Who could be in Trump’s Cabinet? Contenders for new top team from RFK Jr to Elon Musk

22:30 , Ariana Baio

Now Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election, all eyes are on who he appoints as his top team.

The individuals selected for Cabinet positions are meant to be the president’s close allies, ideally with some interest or experience in the department they head.

But the former president has made it clear his priority will be appointing loyalists rather than those best suited for a position – a takeaway from his first administration where he faced record Cabinet turnover.

It is worth noting that being chosen for Trump’s cabinet is no guarantee of longevity or success – far from it. Some of his first term administration ended up being charged with crimes or serving time in prison.

That being said, here are some of Trump’s potential Cabinet picks as he looks towards taking office again in 2025.

Who could be in Trump’s Cabinet? Contenders for new top team from RFK Jr to Musk

Harris wins statewide vote in Maine

22:29 , Oliver O’Connell

The Associated Press has called Maine’s statewide race for Kamala Harris.

This gives the vice president two extra electoral votes.

Trump wins Alaska

22:28 , Oliver O’Connell

The Associated Press has called the state of Alaska for president-elect Donald Trump.

Donald Trump’s granddaughter posts photo of ‘the whole squad’

22:26 , Oliver O’Connell

Donald Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, has posted a photo of “the whole squad”, the Trump family including her mother Vanessa Trump (Don Jr’s ex-wife), all together on election night, with the addition of Elon Musk.

Missing from the picture… Melania Trump and Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Bernie Sanders issues scathing critique of election results

22:22 , Oliver O’Connell

Independent senator for Vermont Bernie Sanders has issued a scathing denunciation of the results of the 2024 presidential election.

In a statement released on Wednesday, he blamed party leadership for abandoning the working class. Here’s his full statement:

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. First, it was the white working class, and now it is Latino and Black workers as well. While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And they’re right.

Today, while the very rich are doing phenomenally well, 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and we have more income and wealth inequality than ever before. Unbelievably, real, inflation-accounted-for weekly wages for the average American worker are actually lower now than they were 50 years ago.

Today, despite an explosion in technology and worker productivity, many young people will have a worse standard of living than their parents. And many of them worry that Artificial Intelligence and robotics will make a bad situation even worse.

Today, despite spending far more per capita than other countries, we remain the only wealthy nation not to guarantee health care to all as a human right and we pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs. We, alone among major countries, cannot even guarantee paid family and medical leave.

Today, despite strong opposition from a majority of Americans, we continue to spend billions funding the extremist Netanyahu government’s all out war against the Palestinian people which has led to the horrific humanitarian disaster of mass malnutrition and the starvation of thousands of children.

Will the big money interests and well-paid consultants who control the Democratic Party learn any real lessons from this disastrous campaign? Will they understand the pain and political alienation that tens of millions of Americans are experiencing? Do they have any ideas as to how we can take on the increasingly powerful Oligarchy which has so much economic and political power? Probably not.

In the coming weeks and months those of us concerned about grassroots democracy and economic justice need to have some very serious political discussions.

Stay tuned.

Whoopi Goldberg refuses to say Donald Trump’s name after election results

22:15 , Holly Patrick

The View host Whoopi Goldberg refused to say Donald Trump’s name live on the programme after the Republican won a second term as president in the 2024 election.

The presenter and actor, 68, has been vocally critical of the 45th and now 47th president in the run-up to Election Day.

Praising Kamala Harris, Goldberg congratulated the vice president on her efforts over the last two months since Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her at the top of the party ticket.

“She was everywhere, she talked to everybody. People didn’t come out, I don’t know why. It doesn’t matter. He’s the president,” Goldberg concluded.

Will Melania live in the White House? What now for the next First Lady

22:10 , Oliver O’Connell

Her husband has won a historic return to the most famous address in the world, defeating Kamala Harris in a close-run race for the presidency.

Melania was all smiles as she joined Donald Trump on stage for his victory speech in Palm Beach, Florida, on election night.

However, while there has been no official announcement yet, questions remain about exactly where she will spend her time during Trump’s second term as the couple prepares for his return to office.

Will Melania live in the White House? What now for the next First Lady

‘I’m just very proud of her,’ says emotional former senator of Harris

22:04 , Oliver O’Connell

Former Democratic senator for Missouri Claire McCaskill became emotional watching Kamala Harris’s concession speech while appearing on MSNBC: “I’m just very proud of her.”

Pence offers congratulations to Trump

22:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Mike Pence, Donald Trump’s first vice president, has offered his congratulations to the president-elect.

The American people have spoken and Karen and I send our sincere congratulations to President-Elect Donald Trump and his family on his election as 47th President of the United States. We also send our congratulations to Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance and his family on his election as Vice President of the United States.

We extend our congratulations as well to the newly elected members of the Republican majorities in the United States Senate and the House of Representatives and look forward to their efforts to renew American security, prosperity and a respect for life.

We will continue to pray for all those in authority and urge every American to join us in praying for our incoming President, Vice President and elected officials at every level. God Bless America🇺🇸

Biden watched Harris concession speech from West Wing

21:57 , Oliver O’Connell

The View hosts wear all-black ‘funeral’ attire for post-election episode after Trump win

21:55 , Oliver O’Connell

Following Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 presidential election, The View cast commemorated their first post-election episode by dressing in all black.

On Wednesday (November 6), the ABC daytime talk show aired its first episode since the Republican nominee was reelected to the White House for a second term. In honor of the occasion, co-hosts Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sunny Hostin, and Ana Navarro sat around The View’s round table in matching black outfits as they discussed Trump’s victory.

The View hosts wears ‘funeral’ attire in post-election episode after Trump win

21:45 , Oliver O’Connell

Vice President Kamala Harris

Harris adviser says campaign ‘dug out of a deep hole but not enough’

21:40 , Oliver O’Connell

David Plouffe, Obama campaign veteran and special adviser to Kamala Harris, tweeted today:

It was a privilege to spend the last 100 days with @KamalaHarris and the amazing staff led by @jomalleydillon who left it all on the field for their country. We dug out of a deep hole but not enough. A devastating loss. Thanks for being in the arena, all of you.

21:38 , Oliver O’Connell

Vice President Kamala Harris

21:37 , Oliver O’Connell

“To the young people who are watching, it is OK to feel sad and disappointed. But please know it’s going to be OK,” Harris tells her younger supporters, who cheer and shout “We love you!”

“Here’s the thing: Sometimes, the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win. The important thing is don’t ever give up,” she adds.

21:32 , Oliver O’Connell

Vice President Kamala Harris

21:31 , Oliver O’Connell

Vice President Kamala Harris

21:27 , Oliver O’Connell

Vice President Kamala Harris

In pictures: Crowds of supporters turn out for Harris concession speech

21:19 , Oliver O’Connell

Watch LIVE: Kamala Harris delivers concession speech at Howard University

21:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Watch live as Kamala Harris gives her concession speech at Howard University and addresses Donald Trump‘s 2024 presidential election victory for the first time.

Harris has called the 47th president to congratulate him on his victory. She also mentioned the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for the whole of the US.

Harris supporter gather at Howard University of somber concession speech

20:57 , John Bowden

Several thousand supporters poured into Howard University in Washington, DC, for Kamala Harris’s concession speech on Wednesday afternoon. It was a somber event, even with the DJ playing dance tracks and campaign volunteers handing out American flags for guests to wave.

A handful of women were visibly fighting back tears as they entered. Many Howard students were in the crowd. A stone-faced DNC chair Jaime Harrison passed reporters on the back of a golf cart, waving to a few supporters. He announced today that he wouldn’t seek reelection to his position leading the party.

Watch: NY AG says she ‘did not expect’ Trump win but office has been preparing for months

20:48 , Oliver O’Connell

Can Trump pardon himself now he has won the presidency again?

20:45 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump made history earlier this year by becoming the first US president ever convicted of a crime.

A jury found the former president guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to a hush money payment to a porn star.

Stormy Daniels alleged that she had an affair with Trump in 2006, something the former president has denied outright. Even so, shortly before the 2016 presidential election, Daniels received a $130,000 payment from Trump’s then-fixer-turned-foe Michael Cohen.

Cohen was later reimbursed for the payment — reimbursements that were fraudulently logged as legal expenses.

Can Trump pardon himself now he has won the presidency again?

I know why so many Latino men voted for Trump. I tried to sound the alarm

20:30 , Eric Garcia

I’m a registered Democrat — I even interned in the Obama administration. Pell Grants allowed me to go to community college and a public university. I’m disabled, and Obamacare ensured that I could not be denied healthcare coverage for a pre-existing condition.

But I’ve never felt entirely at home in the Democratic Party. Maybe because after I graduated from a prestigious university and moved to Washington, I realized that a lot of Democrats inside the political machine lived in a bubble disconnected from the needs of real people. But another reason: my parents were Republicans for much of my youth.

I know why so many Latino men voted for Trump. I tried to sound the alarm

Elissa Slotkin wins Michigan Senate seat

20:29 , Gustaf Kilander

Democrat Elissa Slotkin will win the election to US Senate in Michigan, according to the AP.

VOICES: Americans said they were worried about democracy. Then they voted for Trump

20:15 , Holly Baxter

To be a Brit in America is to be constantly on the defensive. Other Brits like to tell you, constantly, how stupid Americans are; how annoying their accents are; how bad their infrastructure and their food and their views and their healthcare system and obesity rates are; how sad it is for you that you live there.

I’ve spent the past six years that I’ve lived in New York City rebuffing those claims, and also reminding them that each state is practically a country. But this week’s election result has made things particularly difficult.

Americans said they were worried about democracy. Then they voted for Trump

The Lincoln Project: ‘In a democracy, someone must be willing to lose’

20:07 , Gustaf Kilander

The Lincoln Project said in a statement, “In a democracy, someone must be willing to lose. In this election, it’s our turn to play that role in our democratic process.”

The Lincoln Project

‘Morning Joe’ host laments that Trump victory shows US is ‘far more to the right’ than ever in lifetime

20:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough lamented Donald Trump’s White House victory on Wednesday morning, calling the outcome of the 2024 presidential election “stunning.”

“I’ve got to say, this is the biggest red wave I’ve seen since Ronald Reagan’s 49-state victory in 1984,” Scarborough said. “It seems every Republican across the country improved.”

The Associated Press projected Trump’s victory just after 5:30 a.m. ET, hours after he was projected to win Pennsylvania and declared victory at his West Palm Beach, Florida, watch party.

“America, first of all, is far more to the right than any time in our lifetimes,” Scarborough added. “Even going back to the Reagan years. Donald Trump won in dominating fashion. But, he did that along with other Republican candidates in the Senate races and the House races.”

Morning Joe host laments that Trump victory shows US is ‘far more to the right’

Watch live: Kamala Harris makes first appearance as she addresses nation following US election defeat

20:00 , Holly Patrick

Watch live as Kamala Harris makes a speech in which she is expected to address Donald Trump‘s 2024 presidential election victory for the first time.

On Election Day, the vice president chose not to appear at Howard University in Washington DC, where a watch party had been planned in anticipation of victory but ultimately ended in tears with supporters leaving early.

Ms Harris has called the 47th president to congratulate him on his victory.

She also mentioned the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for the whole of the US.

Mr Trump secured the magic number of 270 Electoral College votes by winning Wisconsin – having already picked up North Carolina, Georgia and, crucially, Pennsylvania – and also secured the popular vote by 51 percent to 47.5 percent, claiming 77m ballots to Harris’s 66m.

Mr Trump took to the stage with his family and running mate JD Vance earlier to promise a “golden age for America” and hail “the greatest political movement of all time.”

Republicans will control the Senate in January, a key victory for the party which has been in the minority there since 2021.

GOP rep says ‘we’re gonna have to get to that’ when asked about deportations

19:45 , Gustaf Kilander

Biden calls Trump and Harris

19:45 , Gustaf Kilander

President Joe Biden has called Trump to congratulate him on his election victory and invited him to the White House.

Biden also spoke with Harris and congratulated her on her campaign.

In his call with Trump, Biden emphasized the value of a smooth transition and the importance of uniting the country.

Biden will address the nation tomorrow, the White House said.

Special counsel evaluating how to wind down two federal cases against Trump after presidential win

19:36 , Eric Tucker, Alanna Durkin Richer

Special counsel Jack Smith is evaluating how to wind down the two federal cases against Donald Trump before he takes office in light of longstanding Justice Department protocol that says sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted, a person familiar with the matter said Wednesday.

Smith charged Trump last year with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. But Trump’s election defeat of Kamala Harris means that he can no longer face prosecution in accordance with a decades-old Justice Department legal opinion.

The person familiar with Smith’s plans was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press.

Trump campaign issues statement after call with Harris

19:35 , Gustaf Kilander

Steven Cheung, the Trump campaign communications director, said in a statement that during his call with Harris, Trump “acknowledged … her strength, professionalism, and tenacity.”

Steven Cheung

Israel and Netanyahu welcomes Trump win as ‘history’s greatest comeback’

19:30 , Jonathan Saul

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has celebrated Donald Trump’s election win, hailing success for the leader and ally.

Congratulating Republican Trump, Netanyahu said the former president had made “history’s greatest comeback”.

“Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America,” he said in a statement, which was echoed by the leaders of the hard-right nationalist religious parties in his coalition.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been fighting Israel for more than a year in Gaza, said the election was a matter for the American people, but it called for an end to the “blind support” for Israel from the United States.

“We urge Trump to learn from (President Joe) Biden’s mistakes,” Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters.

Israel and Netanyahu welcomes Trump win as ‘history’s greatest comeback’

RFK Jr tells NPR new Trump admin will recommend removing fluoride out of drinking water

19:15 , Gustaf Kilander

What Project 2025 actually says about birth control is alarming

19:00 , Alicja Hagopian

After Roe v Wade was overturned in 2022, the necessity of free and accessible contraception has been a near-constant talking point.

But the cost of contraception in the US is higher than you might think. Indeed, contraception accounted for 30-44 percent of out-of-pocket healthcare costs for women before it was covered by the ACA, according to Planned Parenthood.

And now that Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election, nothing is certain when it comes to healthcare.

What Project 2025 actually says about birth control is alarming

Special counsel in talks to wind down federal Trump prosecutions

18:57 , Gustaf Kilander

Special Counsel Jack Smith is in talks with the Department of Justice about how to wind down the federal prosecutions of President-Elect Donald Trump, according to ABC News.

The decision is in accordance with department policy that a sitting president cannot face criminal prosecutions.

Tammy Baldwin wins re-election

18:53 , Gustaf Kilander

Democratic Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin managed to keep her seat in the upper chamber, beating businessman Eric Hovde, according to the Associated Press.

Trump’s president plan for first day in White House revealed by senior advisor

18:45 , Lucy Leeson

Donald Trump’s plan for his first day as president has been revealed by his senior advisor.

Jason Miller explained what the Republican’s first task will be as he won a historic second term in the White House on Wednesday (6 November).

Speaking on Good Morning America, Mr Miller said: “He will put all his border policies back in place, we can secure it and start making the country much more safe.

“Also, we can get a lot of the energy exploration going, which will help with bringing down the cost of things and stop the out-of-control inflation we have seen.

Harris calls Trump

18:40 , Gustaf Kilander

Harris has called Trump to congratulate him on his victory.

She also mentioned the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for the whole of the US.

Harris is set to deliver her concession speech at 4pm ET at Howard University in Washington DC.

Where are the easiest countries for American citizens to move to?

18:30 , Ariana Baio

The 2024 presidential election, in which Donald Trump secured a second term in the White House, proved just as divisive as in the past — and left some Americans wondering how easy it is to move to a new country.

Trump, publically endorsed by the likes of Elon Musk and Robert JF Kennedy, is only the second president in history to serve as president in two non-consecutive terms.

From Mexico to Portugal, many countries are accessible for US citizens looking to relocate in the wake of the results.

For those serious about making the move, there are options — here’s everything you need to know.

E Jean Carroll: ‘I tried to tell you’

18:23 , Gustaf Kilander

Writer E Jean Carroll, who successfully held Trump liable for sexual abuse in a defamation case, issued a short statement on X on Wednesday.

“I tried to tell you,” she said.

DSCC communications director says Senate Dems will win in states won by Trump

18:18 , Gustaf Kilander

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) communications director David Bergstein said in a statement that the party has defied “historical trends.”

David Bergstein

Freedom of the Press Foundation executive director speaks out after Trump win

18:15 , Gustaf Kilander

Freedom of the Press Foundation executive director Trevor Timm issued a statement after Donald Trump’s election win:

Trevor Timm

Harris to deliver concession speech at 4pm ET

18:03 , Gustaf Kilander

Harris will deliver her concession speech at 4pm ET at Howard University, according to the VP’s office.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will attend.

Trump wins Michigan

18:00 , Gustaf Kilander

The Associated Press has called Michigan for Trump.

VOICES: A Trump White House is bad news for China… and beyond

18:00 , Chris Blackhurst

The US dollar started rising, the Mexican peso began falling. That could only mean one thing – that Donald Trump was set to become the next president of the United States.

So it proved, with the markets factoring in a resounding Trump victory well before he appeared at his celebratory rally in Florida. Suddenly, across the world, “Trump trades” were back on again.

There had been a period when they were off the agenda, put on hold by speculators as the prospect of a Kamala Harris win hardened. Not last night. As soon as the results rolled in, strategies for currencies, equities and bonds, based on a Trump return to the White House, were hastily revisited.

A Trump White House is bad news for China… and beyond

A city divided? New York reacts to Donald Trump’s election win

17:45 , Tom Richell

From scared and shocked to delighted and optimistic, New York residents have reacted to Donald Trump’s historic election win.

The Republican won a second term in the White House after securing the magic number of 270 Electoral College votes by winning Wisconsin – having already picked up North Carolina, Georgia and, crucially, Pennsylvania.

He also secured the popular vote by 51 percent to 47.5 percent, claiming 77m ballots to Kamala Harris’s 66m.

As Trump declared victory and hailed a “golden age” for Americans, The Independent’s Tom Richell spoke to people in Times Square on Wednesday morning (6 November) to find out how they are feeling on such a historic day.

Bush congratulates Trump and Vance

17:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Former President George W Bush congratulated Donald Trump and JD Vance in a statement:

President George W Bush

What happens next? The key dates until Trump’s second inauguration

17:15 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump has won the presidency for the second time, overcoming impeachments, indictments, and unforced errors on the campaign trail that would have taken down most other political candidates.

But he won’t take office for another couple of months. During that time, states will certify the results, electoral votes will be counted, and a new Congress will convene.

Here are the dates that matter leading up to Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025:

What happens next? The key dates until Trump’s second inauguration

RFK Jr says entire FDA departments ‘have to go’

17:07 , Gustaf Kilander

Former Republican advisor on Trump’s win: ‘This is a mandate’

17:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Scott Jennings, a former advisor to outgoing Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, shared his point of view on why Trump won the election.

Just after 3.30am ET on Wednesday morning, Jennings noted that Trump won the popular vote, the first time for a Republican since 2004.

“This isn’t backing into the office. This is a mandate to do what you said you were going to do, get the economy working again for regular working-class Americans, fix immigration, try to get crime under control, try to reduce the chaos in the world,” Jennings said.

DNC chair will not seek re-election: report

16:50 , Gustaf Kilander

The chair of the Democratic National Committee, Jaime Harrison, will not seek re-election next year, according to Reuters.

Harrison faced criticism for supporting President Joe Biden’s efforts to stay in the race before he left the race in July.

Sources told the news agency that Harrison indicated his decision not to seek to stay in the role before the election results came in on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Disappointed Harris voters conclude America hates women as Trump defeats second female rival

16:45 , Ariana Baio

Democrat-voting Americans say they feel reaffirmed in their belief that most of the United States would rather anyone else as president than a woman after Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Across social media, Harris voters shared feelings of disappointment and sadness that she will not make history as the first female US president.

But what seemingly resonated with hundreds of thousands of people were posts written with rage that a felony convicted, twice-impeached, four-times indicted man prevailed.

Devastated Harris voters conclude America just hates women as Trump wins again

Watch live: Mitch McConnell reacts to Donald Trump’s election win

16:37 , Holly Patrick

Watch live as Republican leader Mitch McConnell reacts to Donald Trump‘s 2024 presidential election win on Wednesday, 6 November.

The 45th and now 47th president of the United States is only the second person in history to serve as president in two non-consecutive terms.

The Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is holding a news conference hours after the GOP won control of the Senate, retaking the chamber for the first time in four years.

This victory gives the party major power center in Washington and a role in confirming the next president’s Cabinet, as well as any Supreme Court justice if any vacancy comes available.

Mr Trump has become the first convicted criminal to be elected president in the United States.

His win allows him to carry out his radical vision for a far more conservative country, with power concentrated in his hands.

McConnell: ‘The filibuster is secure’

16:36 , Gustaf Kilander

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said during a press briefing on Wednesday that the expected GOP majority in the Senate will mean that the filibuster is “secure,” there “won’t be any new states that give a partisan advantage to the other side,” and “we won’t be beating up the Supreme Court” every time they make a decision some don’t like.

Harris campaign radio silent

16:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Senate Democrats overperform Harris even as Republicans set to take majority

16:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Soldiers fighting on Ukraine’s front line react to Trump’s election win

16:15 , Lori Hinnant, Yehor Konovalov

Soldiers in a Ukrainian artillery battery on the front were only vaguely aware of the US election results coming in.

Their entrenched artillery battery fires on Russian forces daily — and takes fire nearly as often. Just the other day, one of their overhead nets snared a Russian drone.

“I hope that the quantity of weapons, the quantity of guns for our victory will increase,” the unit’s 39-year-old commander, who goes by the name Mozart, said in the hours before Trump’s win was confirmed. “We don’t care who is the president, as long as they don’t cut us off from help, because we need it.”

Though Trump’s election throws into doubt American support for Ukraine — and ultimately whether Kyiv can beat back Russia’s invasion — the soldiers who use their Starlink connection to the internet sparingly learned of the results from Associated Press journalists.

Soldiers fighting on Ukraine’s front line react to Trump’s election win

Jan 6 rioter asks judge to pause status hearing while awaiting Trump pardons

16:00 , Ariana Baio

Here we go with the January 6 litigation.

Trump promised to pardon all people convicted for their part in Jan 6 and now one rioter, found guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding, is asking a judge overseeing his case to pause his status hearing until Trump’s presidential transition team gives them more concrete information on when those pardons could happen.

Even though he was found guilty, this man’s case is back in proceedings because the Supreme Court redefined the obstruction of justice charge in Fischer v US back in June.

We can expect more of this.

Celebrities react as Donald Trump wins 2024 US election to become president

15:45 , Jacob Stolworthy

Celebrities are reacting to the news that Donald Trump has become the next US president.

It was revealed on Wednesday (6 November) that the Republican candidate had reigned supreme after sweeping three of the most crucial states after a chaotic election day.

As some stars remained tight-lipped about who they were voting for, many celebrities shared their endorsements for Kamala Harris, with a flurry of people, including Harrison Ford, Jennifer Aniston and Arnold Schwarzenegger, speaking out in favour of Trump’s Democratic rival in the last few weeks.

Celebrities react as Donald Trump wins 2024 US election to become president

Harris planned a party at her alma mater on Election Night. It ended in tears

15:25 , John Bowden

Kamala Harris’s dream of becoming the first woman to be elected US president quickly turned into a nightmare for the crowd that gathered at Howard University late Tuesday evening.

Election Night was understandably depressing for Democrats. The party lost its majority in the Senate and saw Donald Trump return to the White House in January with a powerful conservative majority on the Supreme Court — the near worst-case scenario many in the party were warning about for months.

The tears definitely flowed on the Yard outside Frederick Douglass Hall as the night grew long and Harris campaign adviser Cedric Richmond told the crowd that the vice president wouldn’t speak to them. Richmond vowed that the campaign would fight “overnight,” but Trump’s lead in Pennsylvania and other states made the realities clear.

Harris planned a party at her alma mater on Election Night. It ended in tears

VOICES: We’ve all learned the hard way about protest votes and Trump – don’t do it

15:10 , Lauren Bulla

As election day in North Carolina came to its final moments, voters sat close to their television screens and phones alike waiting to see which way the swing states would turn this election cycle. I was one of them.

For me – plus many of my friends and family – this result has brought with it a whole new level of fear and dismay. We were the first swing state to go; the first to watch Trump turn us red all over again. Despite our democratic governor, Attorney General Josh Stein, taking the seat; Republicans claimed the state. The margin was razor-thin, but ultimately it wasn’t enough. The question we’re all left asking now is: why?

We’ve all learned the hard way about protest votes and Trump – don’t do it

Watch live: View of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home after winning 47th presidential election

14:55 , Holly Patrick

Watch a live view of Donald Trump‘s Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, after he won a historic second term in the White House.

The 45th and now 47th president swept four of the key battleground states hours after the polls closed on Election Day.

As of Wednesday morning, Kamala Harris has not commented on her defeat.

Mr Trump secured the magic number of 270 Electoral College votes by winning Wisconsin – having already picked up North Carolina, Georgia and, crucially, Pennsylvania – and also secured the popular vote by 51 percent to 47.5 percent, claiming 77m ballots to Harris’s 66m.

Counting is still underway in Michigan, Arizona and Nevada but those results will not alter the outcome.

Mr Trump took to the stage with his family and running mate JD Vance earlier to promise a “golden age for America” and hail “the greatest political movement of all time.”

Republicans have also likely taken control of the Senate, a key victory for the party which has been in minority there since 2021.

Watch: Jon Stewart criticises pollsters after Trump declares victory

14:40 , Joe Sommerlad

The Daily Show host offered this reaction as the results began to wash in last night, making a nonsense of polling experts insisting for weeks that the race was neck-and-neck.

Liz Cheney appeals to Americans to respect the election results

14:25 , Joe Sommerlad

We have still yet to hear anything from Kamala Harris, Tim Walz or other senior Democrats today but here’s Harris’s surrogate – once considered an arch-Republican before she was drummed out of her party by its Trump wing – doing the decent thing in calling on her fellow citizens to respect the outcome, no matter how much it might appal them.

Marco Rubio: ‘I am always interested in serving’

14:10 , Joe Sommerlad

As we’ve just seen with Elon, thoughts are already turning to who might play a role in Trump’s next Cabinet, with the man himself once more hinting at a role for Robert F Kennedy Jr in his victory speech.

Since then, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a one-time enemy of Trump who was a serious contender to be his running mate, has been politely declining to rule anything out.

Republican Tim Sheehy, accused of lying about his time in Afghanistan, clinches victory in Montana Senate race

13:55 , Joe Sommerlad

Tim Sheehy, the wealthy businessman whose campaign was plagued by controversies, is projected to defeat incumbent Jon Tester to represent Montana in the Senate.

A shift toward conservative ideology in the state benefitted Sheehy, 38, despite allegations that he lied about obtaining a bullet wound injury in Afghanistan and injuring himself during a trip to Glacier National Park.

The battle over Montana’s Senate seat became one of the most-watched in the nation.

John Bowden and Ariana Baio have this one.

Republican Tim Sheehy clinches victory in Montana Senate race

Trudeau offers congratulations to Trump

13:43 , Athena Stavrou

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his congratulations to Donald Trump upon his re-election to the White House.

Mr Trudeau and Mr Trump experienced their share of run-ins during the Republican leader’s first term as president, with a tariff dispute and the export of protective masks previously coming between the pair.

Mr Trudeau posted to X on Wednesday: “Congratulations to Donald Trump on being elected President of the United States.

“The friendship between Canada and the U.S. is the envy of the world. I know President Trump and I will work together to create more opportunity, prosperity, and security for both of our nations.”

Second Trump administration ‘represents a clear and present danger to our democratic norms’, ACLU says

13:30 , Joe Sommerlad

This is what Anthony D Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), has to say about Trump’s election win:

“While Donald Trump may have been democratically re-elected, a second Trump administration represents a clear and present danger to our democratic norms, processes, and institutions. Fortunately, our nation is stronger than one man or political party — no matter how determined they may be to upend our democracy.

“At the ACLU, we’re clear-eyed about the chaos and destruction a second Trump administration will cause for our nation. That’s why we’re done with handwringing, admiring the problem, or waiting anxiously to see which unlawful actions President-elect Trump will take on day one. We are ready to take action the minute Trump takes the oath of office.

“We know President-elect Trump will keep his promise to target the ‘enemy within’ — which, for Trump, means anyone who disagrees with him. He is dead serious about seeking retribution against his political nemeses and deploying federal government law enforcement to shut down protests and muzzle dissent. However, as the premier defender of freedom of speech and freedom of association, the ACLU has a 105-year track record of fighting such abuses of power.

“President-elect Trump has also been crystal clear about his plans to deport one million immigrants every year. Yet, we know past attempts at mass immigration raids have shown there is no way to deport one million immigrants without rampant mass due process violations and race discrimination.

“Earlier this year, the ACLU developed a blueprint and roadmap to defend our rights beginning on Inauguration Day. So, when President-elect Trump targets immigrants, dissidents, and his political opponents, we will challenge him in the courts, in state legislatures, and in the streets.”

Will Elon Musk join Donald Trump’s new administration?

13:25 , Athena Stavrou

Elon Musk’s transformation of X, formerly Twitter, into a political machine supporting Donald Trump could see the billionaire rewarded with a place in the president-elect’s new administration.

The SpaceX boss has become Trump’s most vocal fan and one of his biggest financial backers during the US election, which has seen X become an unofficial Republican Party campaign tool.

Musk’s influence has been so stark that, in his speech to supporters on election night in the US after he declared victory, Trump paid a lengthy tribute to Musk, calling him a “star” of the Republican Party and a “wonderful” guy.

Trump has also suggested the tech boss could be given a role in his new cabinet around cost-cutting or government efficiency – a role Musk had previously called to be created to help reduce government spending.

Musk’s management of X has been highly controversial, ever since he tool control of the platform in late 2022.

As well as changing its name, he dismissed more than half the platform’s staff and dismantled its content moderation team.

Trump has won, again: Watch how it happened

13:15 , Joe Sommerlad

Here’s a complete roundup of Election Night from our tireless video team.

Trump has won, again: Watch how it happened

Starmer seeks ‘strong, special relationship’ with US after Trump election win

13:05 , Athena Stavrou

The UK will work with Donald Trump on economic and security issues, Sir Keir Starmer said as he insisted the “special relationship” will prosper with the new president-elect.

The Prime Minister congratulated Mr Trump on a “historic election victory” after American voters returned him to the White House.

Sir Keir was among the first world leaders to congratulate Mr Trump as the Government sought to build bridges with the president-elect after the Republican politician’s campaign filed a legal complaint about Labour activists supporting rival Kamala Harris.

Senior Labour figures, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have also been strident in their criticism of Mr Trump in the past.

But the Prime Minister said: “As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.

“From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”

Charity warns Trump’s victory poses a ‘dangerous threat’ to women’s rights

13:03 , Athena Stavrou

As Donald Trump officially wins the 2024 presidential election, international charity Action Aid has said the result poses a “dangerous threat” to women’s rights in the US and across the world.

Hannah Bond, Co-CEO at ActionAid UK said: “Trump’s election poses an existential and dangerous threat to women and girls rights across the world and to global peace and security.

“Millions in America will be waking up to a future where their reproductive rights and freedoms are fundamentally at risk, particularly the most marginalised people.

“For women and girls facing crises across the world – whether in Gaza or in Ukraine – this is a devastating result that threatens global peace and security.”

Emboldened and unshackled: What a second Trump presidency means for America

13:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Donald Trump’s third presiential campaign was defined by a promise of retribution and a sharpened nativist agenda to take America back again, writes Alex Woodward.

Emboldened and unshackled: What a second Trump presidency means for America

Recap: Trump declares election victory as he hails ‘golden age’ for America

12:45 , Joe Sommerlad

If you missed the next president of the United States speaking in Florida early this morning, here’s a look back at what he had to tell his jubilant supporters.

Donald Trump declares election victory as he hails ‘golden age’ for America

What happens now that a convicted felon has won the presidency?

12:30 , Joe Sommerlad

Earlier this year, Donald Trump made history by becoming the first former president ever convicted of a crime.

Now, after soaring to victory in the 2024 election against Kamala Harris, he has made history again: by becoming the first convicted felon elected to the nation’s highest office.

So what happens next?

What happens now that a convicted felon has won the presidency?

Starmer jeered as he opens PMQs with congratulations to Trump

12:19 , Athena Stavrou

Sir Keir Starmer’s acknowledgment of Trump’s electoral victory was met with loud jeers in parliament as he opened Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday.

The UK prime minister told MPs: “Can I begin by congratulating President-elect Trump on his historic election victory. As the closest of allies, the UK and US will continue to work together to protect our shared values of freedom and democracy.

“And having had dinner with President-elect Trump just a few weeks ago, I look forward to working with him in the years to come.”

What happened to Trump’s first cabinet?

12:15 , Joe Sommerlad

Here’s a timely reminder of some of the famous faces you may recall from the Republican’s first administration, not many of whom remain on friendly terms with him and some of whom are actively hostile.

Friend, foe or inmate: What happened to Trump’s first cabinet?

In pictures: Trump victory hailed in Israel

12:00 , Joe Sommerlad

During his first presidency, Donald Trump worked hard to ingratiate himself with Benjamin Netanyahu, moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory and pushing the Abraham Accords to encourage better relations with some of the country’s neighbouring states.

His return to the White House was duly welcomed with a digital billboard in Jerusalem this morning.

When will Trump officially take office?

11:47 , Athena Stavrou

Donald Trump has officially won the 2024 US election – but what happens now?

The Republican nominee has surpassed the 270 electoral college votes needed to secure victory after winning key battleground states. While there are a few more states left to announce their results, they cannot change the outcome of the race now.

There will now be a period of time known as the transition, which gives the new administration time to appoint cabinet members and finalise plans for their time in office.

Formal voting by the members of the Electoral College takes place in mid-December.

The president-elect is then officially sworn into office on January 20 in an inauguration ceremony held on the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC.

‘A dark, dark day’: Ed Davey responds to ‘dangerous’ Trump victory

11:31 , Athena Stavrou

Ed Davey has called for stronger ties with the EU as he labelled Donald Trump’s election victory as a “dark, dark day”.

The UK Liberal Democrat leader branded Trump as a “dangerous, destructive demagogue” who “undermines the rule of law, human rights, international trade, climate action and global security”, as the Republican’s victory was confirmed.

“Millions of Americans – especially women and minorities – will be incredibly fearful about what comes next. We stand with them,” he wrote on X/Twitter.

“Families across the UK will also be worrying about the damage Trump will do to our economy and our national security, given his record of starting trade wars, undermining NATO and emboldening tyrants like Putin.”

He added that fixing the UK’s “broken” relationship with the EU is “even more urgent than before”, adding: “We must strengthen trade and defence cooperation across Europe to help protect ourselves from the damage Trump will do.

“Now more than ever, we must stand up for the core liberal values of equality, democracy, human rights and the rule of law – at home and around the world.”

Republicans see off fierce challenges and flip two seats to take control of the Senate

11:25 , Joe Sommerlad

Trump’s huge win was not the only victory for the GOP yesterday.

It also secured a majority in the upper chamber of Congress, which will make it much easier for the new president to push through his legislative agenda.

John Bowden, Rhian Lubin and Alicja Hagopian have this one.

Republicans see off fierce challenge and flip two seats to take control of the Senate

Are there more results to come?

11:17 , Athena Stavrou

Donald Trump has officially secured victory in the presidential election – but there are a few more results to come.

After the results in the battleground state of Wisconsin were confirmed, the Republican presidential nominee secured the 270 electoral college votes needed to confirm his win.

Counting is still underway in the swing states of Michigan, Arizona and Nevada – but the results here now cannot change the outcome of the race.

Maine and Alaska are also yet to be called – with the former expected to be a win for the Democrats and the latter for Republicans.

Reproductive rights in the balance in Trump’s America

11:10 , Joe Sommerlad

In addition to the presidential, Senate, House of Representatives and gubernatorial races taking place yesterday, 10 states had access to abortion questions on the ballot: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, Nevada, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, New York and South Dakota,

Here’s a helpful overview of where Election Day leaves reproductive rights in those states.

And here’s Alex Woodward’s report on what happened in Florida.

Florida’s abortion rights amendment fails despite getting 57% of the vote

Just Stop Oil target US embassy in London

11:01 , Athena Stavrou

Environmental activists have covered the US embassy in London with orange paint in protest of Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election.

Two campaigners from Just Stop Oil sprayed the embassy’s compound wall with orange paint, a video posted by the group on social media platform X showed.

“Trump’s win puts the lives of ordinary people at risk, everywhere,” Just Stop Oil said.

London’s Metropolitan Police and the U.S. embassy did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Live election 2024 results map as Trump defeats Harris to win presidency

11:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Here’s our updated results map as Wisconsin places Donald Trump on 277 Electoral College votes, carrying him over the line and returning him to the White House after four years away.

Trump vs Harris: Live election 2024 results map

Wisconsin pushes Trump over the line

10:49 , Athena Stavrou

Donald Trump has officially won the 2024 US election, making him the first convicted criminal to be elected president.

The final result has been predicted for some hours, but it was the outcome in Wisconsin which ultimately secured his place in the White House.

With ten electoral college votes, the swing state pushed Trump over the line of 270 votes needed to secure a majority.

Counting is still underway in Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada but Trump has already delivered a victory speech to his supporters in Florida.

Breaking: Donald Trump defeats Kamala Harris to win the presidency

10:37 , Joe Sommerlad

Donald Trump defeats Kamala Harris to win the presidency

Watch: MSNBC’s Joy Reid spirals in live on-air meltdown as Trump wins Florida in election

10:30 , Athena Stavrou

In pictures: Democrats in dismay on night to forget

10:20 , Joe Sommerlad

Spare a thought for the more than 65m Americans who proudly voted Harris-Walz yesterday and attended watch parties last night hoping for a brighter future, only for it to all end in tears.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website