Donald Trump declared himself the winner of the U.S. presidential election early Wednesday, despite not having secured the necessary 270 Electoral College votes. The declaration came as projections showed him narrowly leading Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Election Night Speech: Trump spoke at the West Palm Beach, Florida, Convention Center, claiming a near victory and thanking Americans for their support – “I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honour of being elected your 47th president and your 45th president. We’re going to help our country heal. We’re going to fix everything about our country. America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate. This will truly be the golden age of America. This magnificent victory for the American people will allow us to make America great again. We have a new star, a star is born, Elon!”
- Electoral College Status: While leading in projections, Trump is still short of the requisite Electoral College votes, with key states yet to finalize counts.
- Claims of Mandate: Trump asserted that the election results gave him a “powerful mandate,” including Republican gains in the U.S. Senate.
- Support Acknowledgements: During his speech, Trump acknowledged significant support from high-profile figures like Elon Musk and expressed gratitude toward Robert F. Kennedy Jr., mentioning his future role in healthcare policy.
- Harris’s Response: Vice President Harris, his main opponent, has not yet spoken, postponing her speech originally scheduled for election night at Howard University.
Donald Trump’s early declaration of victory highlights the tension and uncertainty still prevailing in the U.S. electoral process, with final results awaited to confirm the next president. The situation suggests a complex aftermath as both camps brace for potential legal and procedural challenges.
