By Nakiwala Barbra
Donald Trump has been projected as the winner of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, securing the 270 electoral votes needed to claim victory and sparking a wave of congratulatory messages from leaders worldwide.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer were among the first to reach out, marking the beginning of an international response to Trump’s second presidential term. Though official results are pending, CBS made its projection at 05:30 EST on November 6, with Trump claiming battleground states including North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, alongside his stronghold Republican states.
Despite initial concerns that the close contests in swing states could lead to delayed outcomes, Trump’s decisive wins consolidated his path to victory. However, the final certification process, expected to unfold over the coming weeks, will formally confirm the results. As the president-elect, Trump will prepare for the January 20, 2025 inauguration, alongside his vice-president-elect, Ohio Senator JD Vance.
During this time, they will work closely with a transition team focused on solidifying policy priorities, forming the new administration, and selecting cabinet members.
In his victory speech, Trump signaled potential high-profile cabinet picks, including vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and tech mogul Elon Musk, hinting at a bold new approach to government. He emphasized that his administration would prioritize reducing government inefficiency and introducing sweeping policy changes, raising expectations of significant shifts in areas like healthcare, tech regulation, and national security.
The electoral college is set to convene on December 17 to cast formal votes, followed by a congressional session on January 6, where outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris will oversee the vote count.
In the meantime, Trump’s team will begin receiving classified briefings and Secret Service protection as they prepare to transition into office. Trump’s representatives have confirmed that President Biden will meet with the president-elect in the coming days to facilitate a smooth transfer of power.
The transition period will allow Trump and Vance to shape their administration, tapping into a mix of political allies and industry leaders, all while navigating a global landscape with high expectations and the potential for substantial policy change.
