Why this is trending right now
Donald Trump has been declared the winner of the 2024 United States presidential election, surpassing the 270 electoral vote threshold required to secure the presidency. This outcome follows a highly contested campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris, with major news networks calling the race in the early hours of November 6, 2026, based on decisive wins in key battleground states including Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina.
The last 24 hours: a timeline
Election Day began with high voter turnout across the country. By 8:00 PM EST, initial exit polls indicated a tight race. As the night progressed, results from the Sun Belt states began to favor the Republican ticket. By 1:00 AM EST, the Associated Press projected a win for Trump in Pennsylvania, effectively closing the path for the Democratic candidate. By 3:00 AM EST, Trump addressed supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, declaring victory and outlining his immediate priorities for his second term.
What could happen next
The transition period will now commence, with the inauguration scheduled for January 20, 2027. Based on public statements made during the campaign, the incoming administration is expected to prioritize executive actions regarding border security, energy policy, and trade tariffs. The focus will shift to the selection of cabinet members and senior staff, which will signal the specific policy direction of the new administration. Legislative priorities will depend on the final composition of the House and Senate, which remains subject to ongoing vote counts in several districts.
SOURCES — THE RECORD
- Associated Press Election CoverageASSOCIATED PRESS · apnews.com
- Reuters Election ResultsREUTERS · reuters.com
- New York Times Election Live UpdatesTHE NEW YORK TIMES · nytimes.com





