Donald Trump has been elected the 47th American President. His victory defied polls and predictions, as it seemed it would be a tight race at first.
Vote counting has been swift, following voting on Tuesday, and Trump managed to surpass the 270 electoral college votes needed to become President, at around 13:00 South African time on Wednesday.
Members of the Electoral College will now cast their votes on 17 December and give Trump the majority necessary to assume office.
It’s been labelled an extraordinary comeback after he refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.
Several world leaders have congratulated Trump.
In a statement on X, President Cyril Ramaphoosa said he looks forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations across all domains of cooperation.
Ramaphosa said he also looks forward to South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 in 2025, where we will work closely with the US who will take Presidency in 2026.
Congratulations to United States President-Elect @realDonaldTrump on your return to the Presidency.
I look forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between our two nations across all domains of our cooperation.
In the global arena, we look forward to… pic.twitter.com/HoQUQpp1gD
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) November 6, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the UK’s Keir Starmer were among the first leaders to send their messages of congratulations.
Netanyahu spoke of “history’s greatest comeback”, while Starmer said he looked forward to working with Trump.
Dear Donald and Melania Trump,
Congratulations on 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.
This is a huge victory!
In true friendship,… pic.twitter.com/B54NSo2BMA
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) November 6, 2024
The leaders of France, Italy, Spain, India, Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Jordan, and others also congratulated him, with more messages streaming in.
French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X:
“Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”
The President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen also sent her well wishes, emphasising the bond between the EU and US.
I warmly congratulate Donald J. Trump.
The EU and the US are more than just allies.
We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens.
So let's work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 6, 2024
Russia took a different stance, with the Kremlin reportedly saying that Russia will judge Trump by his actions.
A Kremlin spokesperson told journalists that he did not know whether President Vladimir Putin has any plans to congratulate Trump on his victory as America is considered an “unfriendly” country for the Russians.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on X, that he appreciates President Trump’s commitment to the “peace through strength” approach in global affairs.
“This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together.”
In a celebratory speech in Florida earlier, before the results were declared, Trump promised to deliver on his promises to the American people.
Trump also claims that support for his campaign came from the most diverse range of voters in any Presidential election.
He struck a conciliatory tone, while also emphasising that America’s needs must come first.
Some of the views he shared include:
“We achieved the most incredible political success our country has ever seen.”
“It is time to put the divisions of the past behind us. It is time to unite.”
“We must put our country first for at least a certain period of time.”
“America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate.”
“We’re going to help make America healthy. We are going to fix everything about our country.”
“Many people said that God spared my life for a reason. It is to heal the country.”
