The results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election are in, with Donald Trump securing a decisive victory. Trump won in all seven key swing states, including Arizona, which he claimed on Saturday. The 11 electoral votes from Arizona have now been added to his total.
Trump’s Republican Party has clinched 312 of the 538 electoral votes, while Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, garnered 226 votes. A majority of 270 electoral votes is required to win the presidency.
Arizona, long considered a swing state with a history of close contests, was pivotal in this election. Although the state has traditionally leaned Republican, the Democrats had a breakthrough in 2020 when Joe Biden won Arizona. However, in this election, Trump managed to flip the state back in his favor.
Trump to Meet Biden at the White House
Following his victory, Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday, November 13, at 9:30 PM IST. The meeting, as per tradition, marks the official beginning of the presidential transition process.
While this meeting is a customary step in the peaceful transfer of power, it is notable that, in 2020, Donald Trump refused to meet with Joe Biden after losing the election.
Biden Assures Peaceful Transition
In his statement after the election, President Joe Biden congratulated Trump on his victory and assured the public of a smooth transfer of power. Biden emphasized that he had instructed his team to provide full cooperation in helping Trump transition into office. “This is the will of the American people,” Biden stated, underscoring the importance of a peaceful handover of power.
Trump’s Historic Return to Office
Trump’s win marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first former president since Grover Cleveland to return to the White House after losing an election. Cleveland was re-elected in 1892 after losing the presidency in 1888.
After a four-year hiatus, Trump is poised to return to power for a second term. His victory over Kamala Harris, who served as Vice President under Biden, caps off a fiercely contested race.