Trump wins US presidential election

Donald Trump has emerged victorious in the 2024 US presidential election, securing a historic return to the White House. 

The announcement was made on November 6, after a dramatic and closely watched contest, with the Republican candidate surpassing the necessary 270 electoral college votes.

Trump celebrated his win with jubilant crowds in Florida, stating: “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate.”

Residents in North Devon have been sharing their thoughts on the outcome, with many taking to social media to express their mixed reactions. 

The news was met with a range of responses, from concern to support.

One local social media user expressed apprehension, writing: “A sad and scary time. Had hoped to return to the US to visit friends and family this summer, but won't feel safe to do so for at least another four years.”

Meanwhile, another person noted: “Ultimately, if Biden had delivered for the United States during his term, he wouldn’t have had a chance of getting in. The American people have made a decision based on challenges they’ve faced, which aren’t too dissimilar to our very own. Governments should heed this strong warning – they are in office to serve their people, not to drive them into difficulty.”

However, some expressed their approval of the result, with one user posting: “Best news ever!”

Another said: “Not much to say really. Americans cast their votes and elected Donald Trump, therefore, they only have themselves to blame.”

As of 11.30am on November 6, the results stand as follows:

• Donald Trump (Republican) has secured 279 electoral college votes, with 70,995,407 votes (51.0 per cent of the popular vote).
• Kamala Harris (Democrat) has 223 electoral college votes, with 65,923,277 votes (47.4 per cent of the popular vote).

Trump won key swing states, including North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, and remains ahead in Michigan, Nevada, and Arizona, with a few remaining results still to be counted.

Trump's Key Positions:

• Abortion Rights: Trump has made it clear that he views abortion as a matter for individual states to decide rather than the federal government. His appointments to the Supreme Court were instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, effectively ending nationwide legal protections for abortion.
• Immigration Reform: Trump’s administration focused heavily on securing the US-Mexico border. He has promised to complete the border wall and significantly increase the deportation of undocumented migrants, framing these measures as necessary for national security and protecting American workers.
• Economic Plan: Trump has pledged to reduce inflation and enhance affordability for Americans. His plan includes increasing domestic energy production, including drilling in protected areas like the Arctic, to help lower energy prices and stimulate job creation.
• Environmental Stance: Trump has expressed opposition to many environmental regulations, arguing that they hinder business growth and energy independence. He has criticised the push towards electric vehicles, claiming it harms the economy and has committed to rolling back restrictions to benefit US industries.
• Tax Policy: Trump's proposed tax cuts, which would build on those introduced in 2017, aim to benefit businesses and wealthier individuals. He maintains that these cuts will foster economic growth, and his administration would finance the reductions through higher tariffs on imports.

The second inauguration of Donald Trump will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. 

The event will be the 60th presidential inauguration.