Kamala Harris made the concession call to Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon, hours after his sweeping victory was confirmed, formally bringing an end to the 2024 presidential race. Harris’s call, according to her team, included a pointed message: she emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and urged Trump to be “a president for all Americans.” Her tone reflected the gravity of the moment, even as she acknowledged her rival’s historic win.
Trump’s team released a statement on the conversation, noting that he commended Harris on her professionalism and tenacity throughout the campaign. Trump’s communication director, Steven Cheung, described the call as respectful, with both leaders expressing a shared goal of unifying the country—a significant point in an election cycle marked by intense division.
Harris is expected to address the nation from Howard University later today, making her formal concession speech nearly 12 hours after the final states fell in Trump’s favor. Trump, meanwhile, is taking a respite at his Mar-a-Lago home, surrounded by family and advisors, as he prepares to step back into the presidency.
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden also called both candidates, offering his congratulations and inviting Trump to the White House for a transition meeting, underscoring the administration’s commitment to a smooth handover.
Trump’s road to victory included reclaiming the blue wall states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania—states Democrats had relied on to secure the White House. Winning these states, along with Nevada, solidified Trump’s lead with 292 electoral votes to Harris’s 224. Analysts noted that Harris’s Electoral College tally fell behind that of Hillary Clinton in 2016, potentially making it one of the worst Democratic showings in decades.
In exit polls, Trump’s win was attributed to gains across nearly every demographic, especially among working-class voters and minorities, groups that have traditionally leaned Democratic. Harris’s struggles with key blocs, including Latinos, women, and working-class voters, contrasted sharply with Trump’s growing coalition of multi-ethnic working-class support.
Economic concerns dominated voter sentiment, with a significant share of the electorate expressing more trust in Trump’s ability to handle inflation and job security. Many exit polls showed a pronounced frustration with the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of economic issues, with a large number of voters saying they felt the country was on the wrong track.
Trump’s return to the White House makes him the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms. Remarkably, Trump also captured the popular vote, securing over 71 million votes compared to Harris’s 66.4 million. This marks the first time a Republican has won both the Electoral College and the popular vote since George W. Bush. With the GOP projected to take control of the Senate, Trump will also have a stronger legislative foundation as he prepares to enact his agenda.
In a victorious election night speech, Trump described his win as part of the “greatest political movement of all time,” and pledged to lead the nation into a new era of prosperity. Surrounded by his family and supporters, he promised a “magnificent victory for the American people” and renewed his vow to “make America great again.”
