Donald Trump has been declared the winner of the 2024 US presidential race, securing 277 electoral votes over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, who received 224 electoral votes. Trump garnered 51% of the popular vote (71.1 million votes) against Harris’s 47.5% (66.2 million votes), with minor party candidates like Jill Stein, Robert Kennedy, and Chase Oliver receiving a small fraction of the total votes.
As Trump prepares to return to the White House, foreign policy experts anticipate significant changes, particularly regarding US support for Ukraine. During his campaign, Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, expressed skepticism about ongoing military aid to Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump’s re-election could result in reduced US military and financial assistance to Ukraine, which may pressure Kyiv into pursuing a negotiated settlement with Russia.
The situation in Ukraine remains critical. Ukrainian forces are struggling in the eastern Donbas region, where Russian troops have intensified their offensive. Additionally, reports indicate that Russia may deploy North Korean troops to bolster its manpower on the front lines, further complicating Ukraine’s defense strategy.
Following Trump’s victory, several Republican lawmakers expressed strong support for his administration. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senators Lindsey Graham, John Thune, and John Cornyn issued statements celebrating the win. They highlighted priorities like securing the southern border, lowering costs, and reinforcing America’s energy independence. Graham also called for an end to federal investigations into Trump, describing them as politically motivated.
The Republican Party is projected to control the Senate, with the House majority still undecided. The incoming administration may prioritize budget approvals, immigration reform, and economic policies, signaling a shift away from the priorities of the previous administration.