US election 2024 live updates: Donald Trump becomes 47th President as Kamala Harris concedes

Daniel Lurie wins San Francisco mayoral race

Philanthropist and Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie was elected mayor of San Francisco, according to projections from local media on Thursday.

Incumbent Mayor London Breed has conceded the race, with the San Francisco Chronicle and KQED declaring Lurie the winner before the final count. Breed, San Francisco's first Black female mayor, announced on social media that she had congratulated Lurie.

Lurie, who has no prior City Hall experience, appealed to voters seeking improved public safety and economic revival as San Francisco grapples with issues like homelessness, a fentanyl crisis, and a struggling downtown. His outsider status and moderate stance, backed by affluent donors, resonated with voters and signalled a shift toward centrist politics in the city amidst a slow economic recovery.

Trump voter says Democrats overlooked Trump’s supporters

Skyler Akins, 37, voted for Trump in Cobb County, northwest of Atlanta, and argued that Democrats failed to recognise the diverse coalition behind Trump, which includes some voters who might traditionally support the Democratic Party.

Akins, who works as an auditor at a small financial company, remarked, "I often joked it was harder to come out as a Republican than as a gay man. The Republican Party now welcomes everyone, as long as you believe in liberty, freedom, limited government, and low taxes."

He added that Democrats assumed they had a stronghold on certain voter groups, such as Latino, LGBT, and African-American voters. For Akins, the economy was his primary reason for supporting Trump.

He also shared an unfavourable impression of Harris from a Democratic event, recalling that she arrived late, took few questions, and was difficult to approach. Akins noted that he only managed to get a selfie with Harris by catching her attention at an exit, pointing to the photo among his political memorabilia displayed at home.

Africa seeks assurances on mpox aid from Trump

Africa's main public health agency is seeking assurances that the Trump administration will fulfill the funding and mpox vaccine commitments made by President Joe Biden. In September, Biden pledged $500 million and one million vaccine doses to support an mpox response plan led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), aimed at addressing an outbreak on the continent.

However, according to Africa CDC, donors have been slow to deliver the funds and vaccines needed to strengthen the response. When asked if Trump’s recent election win might affect U.S. support for African healthcare, Africa CDC Director John Kaseya expressed his intent to urge the incoming administration to honor existing commitments. "We will continue to engage with officials to ensure they uphold their promises," Kaseya told reporters. He warned that failure to follow through could deepen mistrust between Africa and the U.S.

Trump recently indicated that he would delegate healthcare policy decisions to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine advocate.

Putin praises Trump's courage, signals openness to dialogue with US

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his US presidential election win on Thursday, commending him for his courage during an assassination attempt and expressing Russia's willingness to engage in dialogue with the Republican president-elect.

Speaking at the Valdai discussion club in Sochi, Putin remarked, "I would like to congratulate him on his election as president."

During his campaign, Trump claimed he could achieve peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of being elected, though he has provided limited specifics on how he would address the largest European land conflict since World War II.

Putin noted that Trump’s comments on resolving the Ukraine crisis merited attention, adding that if Trump sought to resume diplomatic contacts, Russia was open to discussions.

Fed Chair Powell refuses to step down if asked by Trump

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated on Thursday that he would not resign if instructed to do so by President-elect Donald Trump.

When asked directly if he would step down if requested, Powell responded with a firm "no" during the press conference following the Federal Reserve's policy meeting.

Powell's first term was marked by tense interactions with Trump, and there has been widespread speculation that Trump might attempt to dismiss him.

Powell clarified that any effort to remove him before his term ends is "not permitted under the law."

Putin congratulates Trump on election victory, expresses readiness for dialogue

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on Thursday for winning the US presidential election. Speaking at the Valdai discussion club in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Putin commended Trump for his bravery in the face of an assassination attempt.

"I would like to congratulate him on his election as president," Putin stated. During his campaign, Trump claimed he could bring peace to Ukraine within 24 hours if elected, although he has provided few specifics on how he plans to address the ongoing conflict, which has escalated into the largest land war in Europe since World War II.

Biden reaffirms trust in US electoral system, calls it fair

President Joe Biden highlighted the “integrity of the American electoral system” in a speech following the election defeat of his 2020 running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

“It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent — and it can be trusted, win or lose,” Biden stated.

In contrast, President-elect Donald Trump has consistently questioned the legitimacy of the US electoral process since his 2020 loss, propagating false claims of voter fraud and initiating numerous legal challenges in key swing states. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump has continued to cast doubt on the electoral system, making unfounded allegations of election rigging by Democrats, which has led to increased threats against election workers.

During his address, Biden expressed gratitude to election workers who “took risks” and “busted their necks” to fulfill their civic duties. “We can restore respect for all our election workers who have worked tirelessly. We should thank them for staffing voting sites, counting the votes, and protecting the very integrity of the election,” he said.

He acknowledged that many of these workers are volunteers who serve out of love for their country. “As they carried out their duties as citizens, I will do my duty as president,” Biden pledged, reaffirming his commitment to uphold his oath to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to the new administration.

Biden calls for 'peaceful and orderly' transition following Trump’s election victory

President Joe Biden stated on Thursday that the American people deserve a “peaceful and orderly” transition after President-elect Donald Trump's victory this week.

Speaking from the Rose Garden, Biden remarked, “For over 200 years, America has conducted the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world. That’s not hyperbole; that’s a fact. In our democracy, the people vote and choose their leaders peacefully, and the will of the people always prevails.”

He continued, “Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory, and I assured him that I would direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. That’s what the American people deserve.”

Defense Secretary Austin assures troops of smooth transition to Trump administration

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin addressed US troops on Wednesday, affirming that the Pentagon will ensure a "calm, orderly, and professional transition" to the incoming Trump administration.

In a memo dated November 6, Austin stated, "As it always has, the US military will stand ready to carry out the policy choices of its next Commander in Chief and obey all lawful orders from its civilian chain of command."

Austin's message comes amid concerns within the Defense Department regarding Donald Trump's election, particularly his indications of potentially using active-duty troops for domestic law enforcement and mass deportations.

This raises questions about how the military would respond if Trump were to issue an unlawful order or invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops domestically.

Emphasising the military's non-political stance, Austin reassured the troops that they will continue to support and defend the Constitution. "You are not just any military," he noted. "You are the United States military—the finest fighting force on Earth—and you will continue to defend our country, our Constitution, and the rights of all of our citizens."

Zelensky describes 'productive' conversation with Trump, hopes for stronger US support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described his conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump as “productive” on Wednesday, expressing hope for a stronger America that would benefit Europe.

“We cannot yet know what his specific actions will be. But we hope that America will become stronger,” Zelensky stated on Thursday. “This is the kind of America that Europe needs. And a strong Europe is what America needs.”

Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to pursue “peace through strength,” rejecting any proposals that involve territorial concessions or neutrality.

“It is up to Ukraine to decide what should and should not be on the agenda for ending this war,” he emphasised. “Any country, any leader who respects international law and sits at this table should understand that predators always demand more and more.”

World’s billionaires see record wealth gains, with Musk topping the list after Trump’s win

Wednesday marked a significant day not only for Donald Trump but also for the world’s wealthiest individuals, whose fortunes surged to a record high, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index.

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and a prominent Trump supporter, saw his wealth increase by $26.5 billion, reaching $290 billion. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos also experienced a notable gain, with his net worth rising by $7.1 billion just a week after he defended his choice to withhold the Washington Post’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle and another Trump backer, enjoyed a $5.5 billion boost to his wealth on the same day.

Additional beneficiaries included former Microsoft executives Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, along with former Google executives Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett. Although these billionaires did not endorse a candidate this election cycle, many have previously supported Democratic candidates and causes.

Iran sees Trump’s win as an opportunity to address past US policy missteps

Iran has described Donald Trump's election win as an opportunity for the U.S. to rethink past policies, AFP reports.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei noted Iran’s “bitter experiences” with previous U.S. administrations, adding that Trump’s victory could lead to a review of what he called "previous wrong policies."

Clintons wish Trump, Vance well after election win

Former President Bill Clinton and former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton have extended their best wishes to President-elect Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, following their election victory.

In a statement, the Clintons expressed hopes that the newly elected administration will govern inclusively, emphasising that America’s future depends on collective efforts to tackle shared challenges.

Longstanding critics of Trump, the Clintons had supported Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, they called for unity, commending Harris and Walz for their “positive, forward-looking” campaign.

Trump's victory sparks US stock market surge, strengthens dollar

Trump's projected victory in the 2024 US election has set the financial markets on a positive trajectory.

Stocks hit record highs, with the S&P 500 surging by 2.51% and small-cap stocks gaining notably.

The dollar also rose sharply, while bond prices saw declines due to concerns about rising inflation and fiscal deficits.

Global markets reacted, with some Asian stocks gaining. Analysts predict that Trump's policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, will boost growth but may also drive inflation and tariffs.

Biden lauded Harris as a leader with integrity and courage after her loss to Trump

President Joe Biden is set to address the nation on Thursday at 11 a.m. EST, marking his first public appearance after Harris' defeat.

In a statement, Biden praised Harris as an exceptional public servant, acknowledging her leadership in the face of extraordinary challenges.

He highlighted her campaign as a testament to a strong moral compass and a vision for a freer, just, and more opportunity-filled America.

Biden observed Kamala Harris' concession speech from the West Wing following Donald Trump's victory.

Trump accepts Biden's invitation for White House meeting

President-elect Donald Trump has agreed to meet President Biden at the White House to discuss the transition process, according to Trump’s campaign.

While a date for the meeting has not been set, Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, confirmed it would happen soon.

Cheung also stated that Trump was grateful for Biden’s congratulatory call earlier this week.

Trudeau congratulates Trump, discusses trade and security

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with US President-elect Donald Trump following his election victory, focusing on trade issues.

The leaders discussed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which was negotiated during Trump's first term, as well as securing supply chains and addressing unfair global trade practices.

Trudeau congratulated Trump and emphasized the longstanding partnership between the two nations, with discussions also covering North American security and trade matters.

Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba plans meeting with Trump after G20 summit

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hopes to meet US President-elect Donald Trump in the US this month, following a brief phone call with Trump.

The two leaders agreed to arrange a meeting soon, with Japan aiming for a visit after the G20 summit in Brazil on November 18-19.

Ishiba expressed optimism about building a frank relationship with Trump, reflecting a desire to replicate the close ties between the US and Japan during Shinzo Abe's term.

“I felt that he was very friendly. So from now on, I have the impression that we can talk frankly,” he said.

Trump flips Starr County, the most Hispanic county in the U.S.

Donald Trump has made history by flipping Starr County, Texas, the most Hispanic county in America, in the 2024 election.

For the first time since 1892, Starr County, which is 97% Hispanic, voted Republican, with Trump securing 57.7% of the vote.

This marks a significant shift from the county's traditionally Democratic leanings, where Biden won in 2020 with 52%.

Kamala Harris running mate, Tim Walz loses home county to Trump

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was also the Democratic vice presidential nominee, faced a personal setback as President-elect Donald Trump won Blue Earth County in the 2024 election.

Walz, who spent 20 years in the county, saw Trump secure 49.6% of the vote, while his running mate, Kamala Harris, earned 48.3%.

This loss in Walz's hometown served as a blow to Democrats during an otherwise difficult night.

Despite playing an active role in Harris's campaign, Walz's earlier misstatements, including a controversy over war zone deployment claims, attracted scrutiny.

Donald Trump flips key states in 2024, regains ground lost in 2020

Donald Trump won a second term on Wednesday, flipping several critical states that he lost in the 2020 election.

Key states that swung to Trump this election include Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin. Pennsylvania saw Trump win 50.7% of votes with nearly all counted, and he similarly edged out Harris in Georgia with 50.8% and Wisconsin with 49.7%.

Arizona and Nevada are also trending red, pending final counts. These potential flips follow close 2020 races in each state, with Biden previously carrying narrow wins.

With 277 electoral votes against Vice President Kamala Harris's 224, Trump has secured victory.

Inauguration timeline: key dates from certification to Trump's swearing-in

The Independent outlines the following timeline as Inauguration Day approaches:

• November 11: Transition briefings begin, with agencies preparing to onboard new officials.
• November 26: Trump faces sentencing in New York on 34 counts for falsifying business records tied to a hush-money case.
• December 11: State governors issue certificates of ascertainment, formally designating electors.
• December 17: Electors convene in each state to cast their official votes.
• December 25: Electoral College votes must be delivered to Washington, D.C. by this date.
• January 3: The new Congress assembles, with the House voting to elect a Speaker.
• January 6: Congress certifies the Electoral College votes, officially confirming Trump’s election.
• January 20: Trump’s second inauguration takes place, officially beginning his new term in office

Erdogan and President-elect Trump discuss strengthening US-Turkey ties in call

A readout from the Turkish presidency revealed that Erdogan congratulated Trump on his election win, expressing optimism for strengthened US-Turkey relations in the years ahead.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan and US President-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone late Wednesday, discussing opportunities to enhance cooperation between the two nations during Trump’s upcoming term

China's President Xi Jinping congratulates Donald Trump on his US presidential win

China’s President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to Donald Trump on his U.S. presidential win, urging both countries to “find the right way to get along."

In his message, Xi emphasized the importance of “mutual respect” and a “stable, sustainable relationship” between the two powers, underscoring that such ties would benefit both nations and the broader global community.

Xi called for open communication and cooperation to manage their differences, a critical stance given recent strains over trade policies, Taiwan, and the South China Sea.

Trump’s return to office raises concerns that his administration may revive aggressive trade measures, including tariffs that initially sparked the US-China trade war in 2018.

The proposed tariffs, rumored to reach as high as 60%, would significantly exceed the rates from Trump’s first term, targeting key sectors like electric vehicles, solar energy, and industrial metals.

Xi’s message was a contrast to his 2016 congratulatory note, in which he spoke of the potential for “greater progress” and global cooperation.

Donald Trump to be inaugurated for second term on January 20, 2025

The US presidential election occurs every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, a tradition set in 1845 to suit an agrarian society.

After the election, a president-elect undergoes a transition period, preparing for the official swearing-in ceremony.

This year's inauguration will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., honouring the longstanding tradition as outlined in the US Constitution.

Trump’s win spurs interest in South Korea’s 4B movement

The 4B movement, short for four Korean words beginning with “bi” or “no,” calls for bihon (no heterosexual marriage), bichulsan (no childbirth), biyeonae (no dating), and bisekseu (no heterosexual sexual relationships). Started in 2019, the movement aims to resist what members consider a deeply ingrained system of gender inequality.

Trump’s victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has ignited a new wave of American interest in the 4B movement, as many women took to social media calling for similar action in the US.

Trump's campaign, which celebrated conservative policies like the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v Wade, has led many American women to seek alternatives.

In the wake of his win, some Americans expressed dismay, saying it reflected a wider reluctance in the US to embrace women in leadership.

“American women, it’s time to learn from the Koreans and adopt the 4B movement,” wrote one social media user.

Another post on X/Twitter said: “The women in South Korea are doing it. It’s time we join them. Men will NOT be rewarded, nor have access to our bodies.”

American interest in South Korea's 4B movement reflects similar feminist reactions seen in the 2017 "pussyhat" protests after Trump’s initial win.

Organizers Krista Suh and Jayna Zweiman called on people globally to knit pink hats with "cat ears" for the Women's March in Washington, D.C., symbolizing solidarity and resistance to Trump's controversial comments about women in 2017.

Aussie ambassador Rudd scrubs anti-Trump posts

Australia’s Ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, has removed past critical comments about Donald Trump from his website and social media, according to a statement on his site.

Previously, Rudd, while leading a US-based think tank, had called Trump “the most destructive president in history” in 2020.

The statement explained that, in light of Trump’s election, Rudd deleted the posts “out of respect for the office of President” to avoid any misinterpretation that these views represented his current stance or the Australian Government’s perspective.

Rudd wanted to "eliminate the possibility of such comments being misconstrued as reflecting his positions as Ambassador and, by extension, the views of the Australian Government," it added.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed he discussed security ties, including the AUKUS deal, with Trump.

Yoon congratulates Trump, eyes US investments

Donald Trump spoke with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who congratulated him on his election win and the successful use of his 'MAGA' slogan, according to Yoon's office.

During the call, they discussed strengthening ties in security and economic areas. Trump highlighted the US shipbuilding industry's need for South Korean expertise, Yoon's office noted.

South Korea, a key US ally near North Korea and a major US investor, may see its companies invest further in the United States under Trump’s policies. South Korea’s trade minister mentioned that if the Trump administration enacts higher tariffs, South Korean companies are likely to increase US investments.

However, Trump’s proposed 10%-20% blanket tariffs on imports could cost South Korea’s economy as much as $44.8 billion in export losses, impacting key industries like South Korean automakers that heavily rely on domestic production for US markets.

China congratulates Trump, braces for superpower rivalry

China has expressed respect for the American people’s choice and congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory, according to the foreign ministry.

However, Chinese strategists are preparing for intensified superpower competition with the US on trade, technology, and security under Trump.

His proposed 60% tariffs on Chinese imports are seen as a significant threat to growth for China, the world’s second-largest economy.

Biden calls choosing Kamala Harris ‘best decision’

In a statement, President Biden praised Kamala Harris, saying, "What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire."

He highlighted her leadership during a challenging campaign, which he described as a reflection of what can be achieved with strong moral guidance and a clear vision for a fairer, more just nation. Biden reiterated that selecting Harris as his running mate in 2020 was "the best decision" he made, emphasizing that her personal journey embodies the essence of America’s story.

He expressed confidence that she would continue contributing to that narrative.

Barrack and Michelle reflect on Trump's win

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama congratulated President-elect Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, on their victory.

While expressing disappointment over the outcome, given their significant disagreements with the Republican ticket, they acknowledged that living in a democracy means accepting that not every viewpoint will prevail and respecting the peaceful transfer of power.

In addition, the Obamas say they could not be "prouder" of Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz – "two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign".

Obama pointed out that issues like the pandemic and rising prices created challenges for democratic incumbents worldwide, including in the US, but emphasised that these problems could be addressed through mutual listening and adherence to constitutional principles and democratic norms.

Wall Street soars, bitcoin breaks $76K as Trump triumphs

Wall Street surged to record highs on Wednesday, with major global stock markets following suit.

The Republican victory sparked a rally in "Trump trades," causing US Treasury yields to rise sharply, with the benchmark 10-year note hitting a four-month high of 4.479%.

Bitcoin reached a new peak above $76,000, and the dollar was poised for its largest one-day gain since September 2022. The dollar index climbed 1.7%, marking its strongest day since March 2020.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508.05 points (3.57%) to 43,729.93, the S&P 500 rose by 146.28 points (2.53%) to 5,929.04, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 544.29 points (2.95%) to 18,983.47.

Both the Dow and S&P 500 saw their largest one-day percentage increases since November 2022, while the Nasdaq posted its biggest daily percentage rise since February.

Criminal cases against Trump likely to be halted

Donald Trump's presidential election victory on Wednesday will likely halt the criminal cases against him for the duration of his four-year term.

Trump, the first former US president to face criminal charges, had been dealing with four simultaneous cases this year, including allegations of a 2016 hush money cover-up involving Stormy Daniels and attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss.

The US Justice Department is now reviewing steps to close Special Counsel Jack Smith's two cases against Trump, following a policy that prohibits prosecuting a sitting president, according to a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Trump has pleaded not guilty, claiming the charges were politically motivated.

In New York, Trump’s lawyers are expected to request a delay for his November 26 sentencing, which could lead to a prison term of up to four years.

Legal experts anticipate the sentencing will be postponed, as sentencing a president-elect before Inauguration Day would be unprecedented.

Trump to reinforce 6-3 conservative Supreme Court

President-elect Donald Trump, who shifted the US Supreme Court significantly to the right during his first term, may have an opportunity to strengthen its 6-3 conservative majority by appointing younger replacements for its three senior conservative justices — or even adding more justices if a liberal seat becomes vacant.

Justices Clarence Thomas, 76, Samuel Alito, 74, and Chief Justice John Roberts, who will turn 70 shortly after Trump’s January 20 inauguration, were all appointed by Republican presidents and may consider retirement with Trump’s return to office and a Republican-led Senate, according to legal experts.

Under the US Constitution, judicial nominees require Senate confirmation by a simple majority.

Kamala promises peaceful transition in concession speech

Kamala Harris thanked her running mate Tim Walz, supporters and volunteers in a speech at Howard University.

• "We must accept the results of this election. Earlier today, I spoke with president elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition, and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power."
• "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, not what we voted for. but hear me when I say, hear me when I say, the light of America's promise will always burn bright."
• "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, not what we voted for. But hear me when I say, hear me when i say, the light of America's promise will always burn bright."

Harris addressed a crowd that included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, several senior Biden White House aides and thousands of fans, who chanted "Kam-a-la" before her speech and listened to a soundtrack that included Beyonce's 'Run the world (Girls)' and Tye Tribbett's 'We Gon' Be Alright'.

US markets rally after Trump’s comeback victory

US stocks surged to record highs on Wednesday following Republican Donald Trump's stunning victory in the 2024 presidential election, marking a comeback after being voted out in 2020.

The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all closed at record levels, as investors anticipated tax cuts, deregulation, and a president unafraid to influence the market and the dollar. However, new tariffs could pose risks such as higher deficits and inflation.

The rally boosted "Trump trades," driving US Treasury yields to a four-month high of 4.479%, Bitcoin to over $75,000, and the dollar to its biggest one-day gain since September 2022. In early trade, the S&P 500 gained 145.04 points (2.51%), closing at 5,927.80, while the Nasdaq rose by 539.48 points (2.93%) to 18,978.65. The Dow surged 1,504.51 points (3.56%) to 43,726.39, marking its largest one-day gain since November 2022.

Bernie Sanders criticises Democrats for ignoring working class

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders commented on the election results, stating that it is not surprising that the Democratic Party's abandonment of the working class has led to the working class abandoning them in return.

He noted that this shift began with the white working class and now extends to Latino and Black workers.

Sanders criticised Democratic leadership for defending the status quo, arguing that the American people are frustrated and rightfully demand change.

Biden congratulates Trump, invites him to White House

The White House reported that President Joe Biden has spoken by phone with both Vice President Kamala Harris and President-elect Donald Trump.

Biden congratulated Trump on his win and extended an invitation to meet at the White House. He also called Harris to commend her on her "historic campaign."

Biden plans to address the nation on Thursday to discuss the election outcome and transition process.

Harris lost due to Biden comparison

Mick Mulvaney, former White House chief of staff under Trump, stated that Kamala Harris’s loss in the US presidential race was due to her failure to "answer a simple question."

In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s PM programme, Mulvaney said Harris struggled to explain how she would differ from President Biden.

Regarding his resignation, Mulvaney explained, "I quit because he was my boss, and I thought he behaved very poorly on January 6th."

When asked if Trump would be more emboldened in a potential second term, Mulvaney rejected claims of dictatorship aspirations, calling such accusations "absurd," and argued they contributed to the Democrats' loss.

Mulvaney also addressed potential roles for Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a Trump administration. He suggested Musk would hold a position, but not in the cabinet, while stating that Kennedy might be involved but would struggle to be confirmed by the Senate due to his "crazy" views.

Harris congratulates Trump, urges presidency for all Americans

Kamala Harris phoned Donald Trump to congratulate him on winning the US presidential election on Wednesday, according to two of her aides.

A senior aide also mentioned that during the call, Harris emphasised the significance of a peaceful transfer of power and the role of being a president for all Americans.

Harris is expected to make a public statement later in the day.

Saudi Crown Prince calls Trump to extend congratulations

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman communicated with President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday to extend his best wishes to the American people for his upcoming presidency, according to the Saudi ambassador.

In a post on X, Reema Bandar Al-Saud noted that bin Salman also emphasised the “historic relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States.”

Netanyahu, Trump discuss 'Iranian threat' in recent conversation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Donald Trump on Wednesday to congratulate the Republican leader on his victory in the US presidential election. According to a statement from Netanyahu's office, “The conversation was warm and cordial.”

The two leaders discussed "the Iranian threat" and emphasised the importance of collaboration to ensure Israel's security, as noted in the statement.

Trump’s victory raises alarms among NATO allies

Many NATO allies are expressing significant concern over the prospect of a Donald Trump victory in the upcoming election. During his previous term as president, Trump threatened to withdraw the US from the alliance, accusing European nations of not contributing sufficiently to defence spending.

This sentiment has echoed throughout several US administrations, highlighting frustration over allies relying on American resources to ensure their own security.

Major fiscal challenges loom for Trump following election victory

One of the key concerns facing the markets is the possibility of a further downgrade to the US credit rating if Donald Trump increases public spending, implements tax cuts, and introduces significant global trade tariffs.

Currently, the net general government debt is nearing 100% of GDP. Interest payments on this debt account for more than 10% of the Treasury's revenue. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has already projected that the fiscal deficit—the gap between tax revenue and government expenditure—will hover around 7% for both this year and the next.
 

Kamala Harris expected to call Trump

Kamala Harris is anticipated to call Donald Trump on Wednesday to officially concede defeat in the presidential election, according to NBC News, which cited two aides to Harris.

President Joe Biden also intends to reach out to Trump and will make a public statement regarding the election results, as reported by a White House official.

No plans for Putin to congratulate Trump

Ahead of the presidential race call, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated he had no information regarding whether Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to congratulate Donald Trump on his projected victory. He reiterated that Moscow perceives the United States as an "unfriendly" nation.

Peskov reaffirmed the Kremlin's position that US support for Ukraine constitutes involvement in the conflict. “Let’s not forget that we are talking about an unfriendly country that is both directly and indirectly involved in a war against our state,” he told reporters.

When asked if Putin’s failure to congratulate Trump could negatively impact relations, Peskov noted that Russia-US ties are already at their "lowest point in history." He emphasised that it would be up to the new US leadership to address and potentially improve the situation.

Trump’s social media stock experiences significant jump post-election victory

Donald Trump not only secured the presidency but also saw his wealth increase by more than $1 billion on Wednesday. Shares of Trump Media, which trade under the ticker symbol “DJT,” surged by 35% in premarket trading, leading to an impressive market valuation of approximately $9 billion.

As the largest shareholder of the conservative social media platform, Trump’s 114.75 million shares are now valued at about $5.3 billion, a notable rise from $3.9 billion at the close of trading on Election Day.

However, it's important to note that these gains are largely theoretical; selling a significant portion of those shares could drastically affect the stock price, making it challenging for Trump to realise those profits.

Afghan Ministry expresses hope for improved ties with US following election

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed optimism about the outcome of the United States election, stating its hopes for enhanced bilateral relations.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, in line with its balanced foreign policy, expresses hope regarding the results of the United States elections,” spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said.

“The I.E.A. hopes the incoming US administration will take realistic steps towards tangible progress in relations between the two countries, enabling a new chapter of mutual cooperation,” he added.

Trump win may lead to reduced US backing for Ukraine in Russia war

With Donald Trump’s reelection, Ukraine may face a significant reduction in US support, a change that could heavily impact the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Throughout his campaign, Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance voiced strong reservations about continued US involvement in Ukraine’s defence, as the war stretches over two and a half years since Russia’s invasion.

Trump has also hinted that the US could push Ukraine toward a tenuous truce with Russia, potentially altering the course of the conflict.

African leaders congratulate Trump, look to strengthen US relations

Several African leaders have extended congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump following his election victory on Wednesday, expressing a desire to bolster relations with the United States.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu offered his “heartfelt congratulations,” expressing confidence that Trump’s leadership would “bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.”

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa also congratulated Trump, stating, “the world needs more leaders who speak for the people. Zimbabwe stands ready to work with you and the American people for a better, more peaceful world.”

Liberian President George Weah welcomed Trump’s election as a “dawn of a new beginning for the American people and an opportunity for renewed hope.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed eagerness to continue a “close and mutually beneficial partnership” between the two nations across various areas of cooperation.