Former President Donald Trump declared victory in the 2024 presidential race in the early hours of Wednesday, marking a remarkable political comeback.
Minutes before his announcement, news outlets officially called the election in his favour, as Trump secured key battleground states, including Pennsylvania, which was pivotal to his victory.
“We made history for a reason tonight,” Trump declared. “We overcame obstacles that nobody thought possible, and now it’s clear we’ve achieved the most incredible political thing.” His victory in Pennsylvania, combined with wins in North Carolina and other crucial states, made his path to the presidency inevitable.
The announcement was met with wild celebrations from his supporters, some of whom had stuck with him through political scandals, legal battles, and the fallout from the January 6th Capitol riot.
Trump took the stage surrounded by family, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, aides, and loyal supporters, promising a golden age for America.
Earlier in the evening, Fox News made the first major call for Trump, announcing his win in North Carolina. Despite early claims of election fraud in Philadelphia, reminiscent of his 2020 allegations, Trump’s lead continued to grow throughout the night, with results favouring him across key states.
Roger Stone, a long-time Trump ally, called it a “story of perseverance” fuelled by his multiple criminal indictments. “It’s a story of resilience and just grit,” Stone said, echoing the sentiments of many of Trump’s supporters who believed his political comeback was a testament to his determination.
As Trump and his supporters celebrated, the political world braced for the challenges and controversies that may lie ahead in his path to reclaiming the White House.