By Agencies and published by CNA
DONALD Trump declared victory in the US presidential election today (Nov. 6), telling supporters that America had given them an “unprecedented mandate”.
Speaking in Florida not long after projections gave him a win in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, Trump told a jubilant crowd that he would fight for every citizen.
As it stands, the 78-year-old is still three electoral votes short of the 270 needed for an outright victory, according to AP’s count, but he is all set to become only the second person to serve two non-consecutive terms as US president.
“A magnificent victory”: Trump addresses supporters in Florida
Addressing jubilant supporters in his home state of Florida, Trump proclaimed a “political victory” that the country had never seen before.
“I will fight for every citizen,” he told the crowd to cheers and applause.
“We’ve made history for a reason tonight, and the reason is going to be just that we overcame obstacles that nobody thought possible.
“This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again.”
Most of the important people in Trump’s personal and political life joined him on stage at West Palm Beach.
Former first lady Melania Trump stood near her husband and was joined by Barron, the former president’s youngest son. Trump’s older children, Don Jr, Eric, Ivanka and Tiffany, all joined their father on stage, too.
“America has given us an unprecedented mandate,” said Trump amid shouts of “USA” and “we love you”.
“Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason, and that reason was to save our country and to restore America to greatness,” he said, referring to the presidency as the “most important job in the world”.
Giving a preview of his to-do list, Trump said “we want a strong, powerful military” and that “we want to have borders, security”.
In a personal touch, he thanked his children and wife Melania, referring to her as the First Lady.
Trump also briefly trained the spotlight on his “feisty” running mate JD Vance.
His pick for vice president hailed the election results as “the greatest political comeback in the history of America” and said they would also lead “the greatest economic comeback” for the country.
World leaders offer their congratulations to Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated “President Donald Trump”, saying he was ready to work with the US vote frontrunner “with respect and ambition” like “we managed to do for four years”.
In a post on X, Macron said that the relationship with Trump, who is leading the US presidential vote, would “take account of your convictions, and mine”, adding: “For more peace and prosperity.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed it as a “historic return” to the White House.
“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,” Netanyahu said on X after Trump claimed victory.
Over in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Trump’s commitment to “peace through strength” approach could bring “just peace” closer.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he looks forward to working with Trump “in the years ahead”, and that “the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper”.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered congratulations to his “friend” Trump, adding that he was looking forward to working with the vote frontrunner.
“Let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity,” Modi said in a post on X. “As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration.”
CAPTIONS:
Top: Republican presidential nominee and former US president Donald Trump takes the stage to address supporters at his rally at the Palm Beach County Convention Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Nov. 6, 2024. Photo: Reuters/Brian Snyder and published by CNA
First insert: Republican presidential nominee and former US president Donald Trump makes a fist as he takes the stage with his wife Melania and son Barron to address supporters at his rally, at the Palm Beach County Convention Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida on Nov. 6, 2024. Photo: Reuters /Brian Snyder and published by CNA
Second insert: Republican vice presidential nominee Senator JD Vance speaks as Republican presidential nominee former president Donald Trump looks on at an election night watch party on Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Photo: AP/Alex Brandon and published by CNA
Front Page: Republican presidential nominee former president Donald Trump speaks at an election night watch party on Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Photo: AP/Alex Brandon and published by CNA
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