Election 2024: Biden to address nation, Trump prepares for 2nd term
Last updated: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 8:00AM GMT
Trump has vowed to shake some of democracy's pillarsVoters have delivered power to the presidential candidate who gave them fair warning he might take long-held norms and guardrails apart.
With projections made in most states across the country, ABC News has projected that former President Donald Trump will win the high-stakes presidential match-up against Vice President Kamala Harris. Early Wednesday morning, Trump secured enough Electoral College votes to set himself up for a second presidency, including by flipping the key swing states of Georgia, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Beyond the presidential race, voters also hit the polls around the country Tuesday and cast ballots to decide who controls Congress, state and local governments. Reporters from 538 and ABC News followed along every step of the way with live updates, analysis and commentary on the results. Follow our election coverage in full below.
In a phone call Wednesday, President Joe Biden congratulated former President Donald Trump and invited him to the White House "to ensure a smooth transition" between the two administrations, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said.
"President Trump looks forward to the meeting, which will take place shortly, and very much appreciated the call," Cheung said.
It is not yet clear when the meeting will take place.
Nov 06, 2024, 10:24 PM GMT
Barack and Michelle Obama address the election results
In a statement Wednesday evening, former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama congratulated former President Donald Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance on their election victory.
"This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues," they wrote. "But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view won't always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power."
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are seen during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago.
The Obamas said they "could not be prouder" of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who they lauded as "two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign."
"In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won't always see eye-to-eye on everything. But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace -- even to people with whom we deeply disagree," the statement read. "That's how we've come this far, and it's how we'll keep building a country that is more fair and more just, more equal and more free."
ByJay O'Brien and Arthur Jones II
Nov 06, 2024, 10:20 PM GMT
Jan. 6 rioters celebrate Trump victory from behind bars
Jan. 6 rioters watched the election returns from behind bars, several of their family members told ABC News.
Rioters are seen at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Families of the incarcerated rioters watched together -- and rejoiced -- in at least one gathering in Washington, D.C.
The inmates feel "vindicated," one family member said, and many are eagerly awaiting promised pardons from former President Donald Trump.
Also watching the results Tuesday night were police officers, 140 of whom were injured by rioters on Jan. 6.
"America, it feels like you've forgotten me and so many others, but somehow I still love and am glad to have served you," retired Officer Winston Pingeon wrote Wednesday morning in a post on X.
Nov 06, 2024, 10:08 PM GMT
California 'will seek to work with the incoming president,' governor says
In a statement released moments after Vice President Kamala Harris' concession speech, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state would "seek to work with" former President Donald Trump.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.
"California will seek to work with the incoming president -- but let there be no mistake, we intend to stand with states across our nation to defend our Constitution and uphold the rule of law," Newsom said.
Newsom applauded Harris, who he said "set out to fight to defend our fundamental freedoms and build a country that works for everyone."
"She stood up for working families, decency, and opportunity," he said. "Though this is not the outcome we wanted, our fight for freedom and opportunity endures."
