2024 US Election Results Highlights: Fed's Powell says he will not quit even if asked by Trump

Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair, said that he would not step down from his position if President-elect Donald Trump attempted to remove him, emphasising that such removal would be legally impossible.

During a press conference following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Powell responded with a definitive "no" when questioned about potentially leaving his position at Trump's request. He clarified that the law does not permit the early removal of Fed governors, including himself, before their terms conclude.

The Fed met market expectations by reducing its interest rate target range by 25 basis points to 4.5%-4.75%, as the central bank continues to adjust monetary policy in response to decreasing inflationary pressures.

The central bank had been anticipated to proceed with interest rate reductions ahead of Tuesday's US national elections.

When faced with multiple questions regarding Trump's stated policy objectives and their potential impact on central bank decisions, Powell maintained a neutral stance. He stated, "In the near-term the election will have no effects on our policy decisions," adding "we don't guess, speculate and we don't assume what the broader government might do."

The NAACP, a civil rights organisation in the United States, issued a statement on Thursday denouncing racially offensive text messages allegedly received by African Americans following Donald Trump's electoral victory.

According to the organisation, African Americans in several states, including North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama and Pennsylvania, received unsolicited messages from unidentified senders directing them "to report to a plantation to pick cotton."

Derrick Johnson, who leads the civil rights organisation, stated, "The unfortunate reality of electing a President who, historically has embraced, and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes."

Following Tuesday's election, Trump, a conservative populist leader, secured re-election despite previous controversies regarding racist rhetoric among his supporters, from which he has previously disassociated himself. Notably, he increased his support among African American voters.

The FBI acknowledged awareness of these racially motivated text messages but did not confirm whether they had initiated a formal investigation into the matter.

David McCormick, a Republican and former CEO of the world's largest hedge fund, secured Pennsylvania's crucial U.S. Senate position by defeating Democratic Senator Bob Casey, who served three terms. In Tuesday's election, McCormick's campaign focused on criticising Casey's support for policies that allegedly contributed to inflation, domestic instability and conflict.

The triumph strengthens the Republican majority in the Senate, which they recently gained from Democratic control. This contest emerged as the second-most costly race nationally, occurring simultaneously with the presidential campaign in this key battleground state.

At age 59, McCormick successfully restored a Republican seat in Pennsylvania, following the party's loss in 2022. His victory validated the Republican leadership's strategy of encouraging his candidacy and unifying their support behind him.

In a historic development, President Joe Biden is set to become the pioneering sitting president to explore the Amazon rainforest during his forthcoming six-day Latin American tour, which includes two international summits, as announced by the White House on Thursday. The journey commences with a visit to Lima, Peru from November 14-16, encompassing meetings with President Dina Boluarte and participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Subsequently, he will visit Manaus and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from November 17-19.

During his stay in Manaus, Biden will undertake an unprecedented presidential visit to the rainforest, engaging with local communities, indigenous leaders and conservationists dedicated to preserving the region. His Rio de Janeiro agenda includes discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, focusing on labour rights and sustainable economic development, alongside attendance at the G20 summit addressing crucial global issues including hunger, poverty and climate change.
Earlier on Thursday, Biden held discussions with Lula regarding the upcoming G20 summit, potentially providing an opportunity for dialogue between the two leaders who share similar perspectives.

In response to Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans on Thursday to convene a special legislative session to protect the state's progressive policies. Simultaneously, attorneys general in Democratic-leaning states began preparing for potential legal challenges.

This action marks a renewal of California's opposition to conservative policies, reminiscent of the state's stance during Trump's initial presidency. The state's Democratic leadership is positioning itself for anticipated policy conflicts.

"The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won't sit idle," Newsom stated, reflecting his reported national political aspirations.
According to information provided to The Associated Press, Newsom's administration intends to strengthen California's state laws against potential federal interference. The governor has requested a December legislative session to increase funding for the attorney general's office, though specific details remain undisclosed.

State Attorney General Rob Bonta disclosed that his office has conducted a comprehensive review of California's previous 120 lawsuits filed during Trump's first term, preparing for potential future federal actions.

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles, who successfully managed his campaign, to serve as White House chief of staff, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to assume this crucial position.

Wiles garnered widespread recognition both within Trump's close circle and beyond for orchestrating his most structured and effective campaign to date. Despite being the frontrunner for the role, she maintained a low profile, choosing not to address the crowd during Trump's victory celebration in the early hours of Wednesday.

Her unique ability to effectively guide Trump's decisions stood out, as she accomplished this not through criticism or instruction, but by establishing mutual respect and demonstrating the positive outcomes of following her strategic counsel.

"Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again," Trump said in a statement. "It is a well deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud."

The White House announced on Thursday that President Joe Biden of the United States will undertake official visits to Peru and Brazil from November 14 to November 19.

The President's itinerary includes participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, scheduled from November 14 to November 16, followed by a visit to Manaus, situated in the Amazon rainforest region of Brazil.

Subsequently, Biden will attend the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The Pentagon's Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a memo on Thursday assuring troops of a systematic transition to Donald Trump's incoming administration, emphasising that the military would maintain political neutrality and execute "all lawful orders."

Trump secured the presidency on Tuesday, marking a significant return to power after his previous defeat four years ago. His victory signals potential challenges for democratic processes within the nation and international relationships.

Last month, when questioned about potential Election Day "chaos," Trump's response hinted at possible military deployment against opposing citizens.

Austin's memo to American forces, distributed on Wednesday evening and made public on Thursday, stated, "the U.S. military will also continue to stand apart from the political arena; to stand guard over our republic with principle and professionalism; and to stand together with the valued allies and partners who deepen our security."

Later on Wednesday, whilst in Miami, Austin expressed confidence in Pentagon leadership's commitment to proper conduct.

He affirmed that these senior officials would maintain their focus on national defence, troop welfare, and achieving success through collaboration.

Democratic control of three Nevada House seats was confirmed on Thursday as incumbents secured their reelection.

The Associated Press confirmed victories for Democratic Representatives Dina Titus, Susie Lee and Steven Horsford. Meanwhile, Nevada's sole Republican Representative, Mark Amodei, secured his victory on Tuesday night.

In Nevada's most contested district, Lee triumphed over conservative policy analyst Drew Johnson. Her district encompasses the diverse Spring Valley neighbourhood in Las Vegas and surrounding rural areas. Lee has held the seat since 2018, following Democrat Jacky Rosen.

Horsford, leading the Congressional Black Caucus in his fourth term, prevailed against former North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee. His district spans from Las Vegas northward, encompassing rural Nye County westward and extending to the Utah border eastward.

"I'm committed to working tirelessly for every constituent from Nye to Clark County and everywhere in between," Horsford said in a statement.

Titus maintained her Las Vegas district seat, defeating Republican Mark Robertson, a retired Army colonel, for the second consecutive election. Despite redistricting that incorporated Republican-leaning suburban areas, making it attractive to the GOP, she retained the position she has held for over ten years.

California's Governor Gavin Newsom declared on Thursday his intention to summon a special legislative session following Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, citing concerns over the state's fundamental principles.

Newsom, representing the Democratic Party, issued a proclamation expressing apprehension that Trump, the Republican victor, would implement policies that could potentially violate constitutional rights and conflict with California's existing laws, particularly regarding reproductive healthcare and environmental protection.

The Governor specified that the state Legislature must convene on December 2 to evaluate additional funding allocation for California's Department of Justice, enabling legal challenges against potentially problematic federal policies.

Trump is scheduled to return to presidential office on January 20, 2025, following his four-year absence from the White House. Trump's campaign representatives have not provided any response regarding California's announcement.

"The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won't sit idle," Newsom said in a statement. "We are prepared, and we will do everything necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive."

Trump's history includes strong rhetoric against his political opponents. California, consistently supporting Democratic candidates, backed Trump's opponent, US Vice President Kamala Harris, in Tuesday's election.

During his victory address early Wednesday, Trump pledged inclusivity, stating: "Every citizen, I will fight for you, for your family and your future." However, numerous Democrats remain sceptical of these assurances.

Vladimir Putin offered his congratulations to Donald Trump on his electoral triumph during an international conference in Sochi, marking the Russian leader's initial public statement about the US election results.

Putin noted that Trump's expressed interest in mending US-Russia relations and resolving the Ukrainian situation warranted consideration.

In eastern Pennsylvania, Democrats faced setbacks as Republicans secured victories in two consistently contested US House seats. US Rep. Scott Perry, known for his strong conservative stance, maintained his position in a southern Pennsylvania district despite its more centrist political inclination.

The GOP's success in defeating sixth-term Rep. Matt Cartwright and three-term Rep. Susan Wild occurred amidst uncertainty over the Republican US House majority, whilst Democrats aimed to establish resistance against Donald Trump's potential second-term presidential agenda.

Following their 2018 losses, Republicans have now successfully regained control of the majority in the state's congressional delegation through these victories.
In the district encompassing Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, first-time Republican candidate Rob Bresnahan, a developer managing his family's construction business, defeated Cartwright. In the Allentown district, state House Representative Ryan Mackenzie secured victory over Wild.

Despite both districts having slight Democratic voter registration advantages, Republicans have consistently provided substantial funding to challengers against Cartwright and Wild over the years.

Cartwright was amongst only five Democrats nationwide seeking re-election in districts where Trump prevailed in 2020. The region has shown significant support for Trump's political approach since his initial presidential campaign in 2016.

Democrat Kim Schrier won reelection to US House in Washington's 8th Congressional District.

Rob Bresnahan, a Republican and first-time political candidate, secured victory in Pennsylvania's U.S. House race on Thursday, defeating incumbent Democratic Representative Matt Cartwright. The Scranton-based constituency, which previously favoured Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, had been a target for Republican efforts to gain control. Bresnahan, who leads an electrical contracting firm established by his grandfather, triumphed over Cartwright, a six-term representative.

Rob Bresnahan, a Republican and first-time political candidate, secured victory in Pennsylvania's US House race on Thursday, defeating incumbent Democratic Representative Matt Cartwright. The Scranton-based constituency, which previously favoured Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, had been a target for Republican efforts to gain control. Bresnahan, who leads an electrical contracting firm established by his grandfather, triumphed over Cartwright, a six-term representative.

President Joe Biden urged Americans on Thursday to lower the political temperature following Donald Trump’s decisive election win over Kamala Harris, pledging in a conciliatory address that he would ensure a smooth transfer of power.

In a somber speech from the White House, Biden expressed hope that the result would "lay to rest" any lingering doubts about the integrity of US elections—doubts stirred by Trump’s earlier refusal to concede his 2020 loss to Biden.

"Something I hope we can do, no matter who you voted for, is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans. Bring down the temperature," Biden urged.

As he entered the Rose Garden, staff rose to their feet, cheering and clapping. The 81-year-old president had stepped out of the race against Trump in July, backing his vice president, Kamala Harris, as the Democratic nominee.

Acknowledging Donald Trump’s previous claims of a fraudulent 2020 election loss, Joe Biden expressed hope that Trump’s re-election on Tuesday would end doubts about the fairness of US elections.

"Regardless of who you supported, let’s see each other not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans. Let’s bring down the temperature," Biden urged.

"I also hope this can finally settle questions about the integrity of our electoral system. It’s honest, fair, transparent, and trustworthy, win or lose."

Biden further emphasized the importance of respecting election workers, noting their dedication and likening their work to his own efforts in his remaining time in office.

Joe Biden announced that he has directed his administration to ensure a smooth transition to Donald Trump’s upcoming term.

“Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory and assured him that my entire administration will work with his team to guarantee a peaceful and orderly transition. That’s what the American people deserve,” Biden said.

The Kremlin announced Thursday that it may consider a potential meeting or communication between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President-elect Donald Trump before Trump's January inauguration, according to Interfax news agency.

While Putin has yet to comment directly on Trump’s election victory, he is scheduled to speak and take questions at a conference later in the day. Following Trump’s win on Wednesday, the Kremlin responded cautiously, labeling the U.S. as still an "unfriendly state" and expressing uncertainty over whether Trump's promises regarding the Ukraine conflict would lead to concrete action.

It is now the turn of Democrats devastated by the election loss to yell voter fraud and float conspiracy theories after preliminary figures showed a massive 13 million drop in ballots for Kamala Harris compared to what Joe Biden polled in 2020.

Provisional numbers show Donald Trump polling close to 72.5 million votes (50.9 per cent) nationwide against Kamala Harris' 68 million (47.8 percent). In comparison, Biden polled more than 81 million votes (51.3 percent) in 2020 compared to Trump's 74 million (46.8 percent) in 2020. Overall turnout shows that 155million voters cast ballots in 2020 (during covid) compared to only 139 million in 2024.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reassured troops on Wednesday night that the Pentagon was committed to a smooth transition to Donald Trump’s incoming administration. In a memo, Austin emphasized that the military would remain politically neutral, stressing that it would carry out "all lawful orders" while continuing to uphold its core principles and professionalism. "The US military will stand apart from the political arena, guarding our republic and standing with our valued allies and partners to strengthen our security," he said.

US President Joe Biden is set to deliver a painful address to the nation on Thursday, pledging a peaceful transfer of power to Donald Trump following his decisive victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. In what promises to be a difficult moment for the 81-year-old president, Biden will speak from the Rose Garden at 11:00 am (1600 GMT) to "discuss the election results and the transition" to Trump's second term.

Biden, who dropped out of the race in July and ceded the Democratic nomination to Harris, now faces the prospect of seeing his legacy undone by Trump's stunning comeback.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday Poland would work on strengthening its relations with the United States following Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election.

Tusk was speaking to reporters before leaving for an EU summit in Budapest over Thursday and Friday at which Trump's return to power and the collapse of Germany's ruling coalition will be major talking points.

He said one of the main messages for the meeting will be the need to strengthen transatlantic relations regardless of who leads particular countries.

"With President Trump we will work on strengthening Polish-US relations," Tusk said.

"If we expect certain changes or turbulence in geopolitics and the international situation, then both Europe and Poland should effectively take care of the best possible transatlantic relations," he said.

US voters delivered a more decisive outcome than many pollsters and analysts had anticipated, electing Donald Trump as president for a second term. Now, global attention turns to whether Trump’s return to the White House will be as destabilizing as some American allies fear. Trump secured victory on Wednesday by surpassing the 270 electoral college votes needed to win. In a pre-declaration victory speech, he pledged to “put our country first” and usher in a “golden age” for America.

Trump’s first term was marked by strained relations with many of the United States’ longstanding allies. His return to office, four years after being defeated by President Joe Biden, holds significant implications for global trade, climate change, and numerous crises and conflicts worldwide.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with US President-elect Donald Trump to discuss future cooperation between Turkey and the United States, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency on Thursday.

Erdogan congratulated Trump on his election victory and expressed his hope for strengthening cooperation between the two countries moving forward, the statement noted.

During Trump’s first term, Erdogan was hosted at the White House twice. However, he has not been received there by the current President, Joe Biden.

Iran has described Donald Trump’s re-election as an opportunity for the United States to reconsider its past "wrong policies," following the announcement of his victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential election. Trump, set to return to the White House in January, pursued a "maximum pressure" approach against Iran during his first term, which saw the US withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal and impose severe sanctions.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on Thursday that Trump’s win presents a moment "to review previous wrong policies," according to state media outlet IRNA. Relations between the two nations have remained tense since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with particular strain during Trump’s first term, when US forces killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in 2020.

Following his recent election victory, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to begin selecting his Cabinet and key administration officials in the coming weeks, as he readies for his second term in the White House.

Here is the list of some of the leading candidates for prominent roles in defence, intelligence, diplomacy, trade, immigration, and economic policy.

Kash Patel
Patel, a Trump loyalist who served in defence and intelligence roles, is viewed as a candidate for CIA director, though his controversial statements may pose challenges if Senate confirmation is required.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the heads of government to congratulate US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, both leaders recalled their interactions including the Howdy Modi event in Houston and the Namaste Trump event in Ahmedabad during President Trump’s visit to India.

In a statement released by the ministry of external affairs, PM Modi in his telephonic conversation with Trump highlighted that his victory reflected the deep trust of the American people in his leadership and vision."

PM warmly congratulated him on his re-election as the President of the United States of America as well as the Republican Party’s success in the Congressional elections," the statement read."

PM highlighted that his spectacular and resounding victory reflected the deep trust of the American people in his leadership and vision. Reflecting on the positive momentum of the India-US partnership during President Trump’s first term, PM recalled their memorable interactions, including the Howdy Modi event in Houston in September 2019 and the Namaste Trump event in Ahmedabad during President Trump’s visit to India in February 2020," it added.

US President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office could lead to a reinstitution of his "maximum pressure policy" on Iran, potentially tightening sanctions on Iranian oil exports. This would impact China, which relies on discounted Iranian crude, accounting for about 13% of its oil imports. With sanctions, oil prices could rise, affecting China's refining industry, particularly independent "teapot" refineries already struggling with weak demand and profit margins.

Trump’s previous term saw significant declines in Iranian oil exports, but China’s smaller refineries stepped in, buying discounted crude and avoiding US sanctions through a trade network using the yuan and intermediaries. Despite challenges like sanctions on "dark fleet" vessels, China’s Iranian oil imports surged by 30% this year, mostly through intermediaries rebranding the crude. Analysts predict that stricter sanctions, particularly targeting financial institutions, could lead to changes in this trade, though global oil supply concerns might temper Washington’s actions.

On his first day as president-elect, Donald Trump received numerous congratulatory calls from world leaders, supporters, and President Joe Biden, marking the start of his second term. After addressing supporters in Florida on Wednesday, Trump kept a low profile but began the transition process to return to the White House on January 20, 2025. Trump secured 295 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 required, while his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, received 226 votes.

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his re-election victory and called for stronger dialogue and communication between China and the US. Xi urged the two countries to manage their differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and find the "right way" to get along in the new era. This comes after Trump’s victory, which signals continued challenges for China-US relations, especially following Trump's tough stance on China during his first term, including imposing tariffs. Beijing has expressed hope that the next four years could present opportunities to improve ties, despite ongoing tensions over issues like trade, Taiwan, and the South China Sea.

Prominent Indian-Americans congratulated Donald Trump on his re-election as US president, praising his resilience and leadership. Vivek Ramaswamy celebrated Trump’s victory, emphasizing his comeback as a reflection of American exceptionalism. Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed their commitment to working with his administration to foster innovation. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and ex-Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard welcomed Trump’s victory, with Haley calling for unity and Gabbard highlighting Trump’s kindness and desire for the nation's success. Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and others, including M.R. Rangaswami and Dr. Krishna Reddy, stressed the importance of strengthening US-India ties and addressing global challenges under Trump’s leadership.

​​​Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to US president-elect Donald Trump, urging the establishment of "stable, healthy and sustainable" relations between Beijing and Washington.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, Xi said that history has shown that "China and the United States benefit from cooperation and suffer from confrontation."

​​He added that "A stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship is in the common interest of both countries and is in line with the expectations of the international community."

In his first message to Trump since the former president's election victory, Xi expressed hope that both sides would "uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation."

​​He also called for strengthened dialogue and communication, suggesting that the two nations "properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and find a correct way for China and the US to get along in this new era, to benefit both countries and the world."

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a telegram to Donald Trump on Thursday, congratulating him on his victory in the US presidential election, according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency. This marks the beginning of official communication between the two leaders following Trump's projected win.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol confirmed Thursday that he and US president-elect Donald Trump agreed to meet "in the near future" during a phone call. "We agreed to meet in the near future... I believe there will be an opportunity to meet within this year," Yoon said during a press briefing in Seoul. The planned meeting comes as both leaders look to strengthen ties between the two nations.

US President Joe Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris for her "integrity" and "courage" following her defeat in the 2024 election to Republican Donald Trump. In a statement released Wednesday, Biden expressed admiration for Harris’s leadership, saying, "What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire. She's been a tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character." Harris delivered her concession speech earlier in the day, acknowledging the loss and reaffirming her commitment to public service.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a phone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump following Trump’s projected victory, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. During the call, Trudeau congratulated Trump on his election win and discussed shared priorities, including economic cooperation, trade, and stability in North America.

Former US President Barack Obama and Former First Lady Michelle Obama released a statement on Thursday acknowledging President-elect Donald Trump's electoral success.
"Over the last few weeks and through Election Day, millions of Americans cast their votes - not just for president, but for leaders at every level. Now the results are in, and we want to congratulate President Trump and Senator Vance on their victory," the statement read.

"This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues. 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," the statement continued.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres offered his congratulations to Trump on his victory.

"I commend the people of the United States of America for their active participation in the democratic process," he wrote on X.

US President Joe Biden extended his congratulations to Harris regarding her campaign.

"President Joe Biden called President Donald J. Trump to congratulate him on his victory and extended an invitation to the White House to ensure a smooth transition between the current Administration and the incoming Administration. President Trump looks forward to the meeting, which will take place shortly, and very much appreciated the call," according to a statement from Steven Cheung, Trump campaign communications director.

Former US President Barack Obama congratulated Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance on their election victory on Wednesday, emphasising the significance of democratic principles and a peaceful transition of power. Reflecting on the outcome, Obama remarked, "This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for. 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."

Obama also expressed admiration for Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, recognising their dedication and efforts throughout the campaign. "Michelle and I could not be prouder of vice president Harris and governor Walz - two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign," he noted, also thanking the volunteers and supporters who worked tirelessly for the Democratic cause.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted his congratulations to President Trump on his election victory, highlighting the significance of the Australia-US alliance. In their conversation, Albanese underscored shared priorities, including security, the AUKUS pact, trade, and investment. "Good to speak this morning with President Trump to personally congratulate him on his election victory," he wrote, adding, "I look forward to working together in the interests of both our countries."

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced his government's intention to establish a "perfect" security partnership with Donald Trump's incoming administration in the United States. In a statement on Thursday, Yoon emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain stability and peace on the Korean peninsula. The focus on strengthening the alliance comes amid ongoing security concerns in the region, particularly regarding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. The South Korean leader expressed optimism about forging a robust relationship with Trump to address shared regional challenges.

The Democratic Party's extensive campaign, costing billions of dollars, to portray Donald Trump as a threat to democracy and his policies as favouring the wealthy, failed to resonate with American voters.

Following Kamala Harris's significant defeat, the Democratic Party faces a Trump presidency without clear leadership, strategy or understanding of their miscalculation in the 2024 election.
"I think there needs to be a cleaning of the house, there needs to be a new generation of leaders that emerge," said Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., among the few Democrats with presidential ambitions to address the party's future on Wednesday. "There needs to be new thinking, new ideas and a new direction. And, you know, the establishment produced a disaster."

As ballot counting continued, Trump appeared set to become the first Republican in twenty years to secure the popular vote, although his Electoral College victory would likely not match President Barack Obama's 2008 achievement of 365 electoral votes.

According to AP VoteCast's comprehensive survey of over 120,000 voters nationwide, Trump gained modest but notable support from younger demographics, Black voters and Hispanic voters, particularly those concerned about economic conditions. The Republican president-elect also increased his support amongst non-college educated voters.

Prominent Democratic governors from California, Illinois, Michigan and Pennsylvania, often considered potential 2028 presidential candidates, remained silent when questioned. Several cancelled scheduled media appearances.

The vocal progressive minority offered varying explanations for the defeat. Few criticised President Biden's decision to break his promise about not seeking re-election, which prevented the party from selecting an alternative candidate through traditional primaries.

Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent and former Democratic primary candidate, had cautioned Harris about her excessive focus on converting Republican voters rather than addressing economic issues. He released a statement criticising the party leadership. (AP)

The White House in a statement confirmed that President Joe Biden will address the nation at 11am (1600 GMT) on Thursday.

Kevin Rudd, Australia's ambassador to Washington, has withdrawn his previous remarks about Donald Trump following the Republican's electoral victory. On Thursday, he clarified that these statements did not represent the Australian government's position.

A statement on Rudd's personal website explained that these comments were made when he was leading a US-based think tank, prior to his diplomatic role.

In 2020, one of the now-removed comments had characterised Trump as "the most destructive president in history".

The statement explained that Rudd removed these past commentaries from his personal website and social media platforms to show respect for the U.S. presidential office following Trump's election.

The removal aimed to prevent any misinterpretation of these comments as Rudd's diplomatic stance or the Australian government's official position.

On Thursday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed confidence in the alliance between the centre-left government of Anthony Albanese and the United States, their primary
security partner. This includes the AUKUS agreement for Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines from the US in the 2030s.

Wong mentioned her meeting with former Trump administration Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the election campaign, noting cross-party backing for AUKUS.

Speaking on the Today programme, Wong emphasised, "The United States is our principal strategic partner. We share very, very clear strategic objectives. We both want a region which is stable, a region which is peaceful, and there's bipartisan support for AUKUS, which is a key part of that."

China acknowledged the outcome of the American election and extended congratulations to Donald Trump on his win, whilst a state newspaper advocated for a practical approach to manage bilateral relations.

Trump, the Republican candidate who pledged to impose strict tariffs, secured the presidency with a decisive victory against Democrat Kamala Harris in Tuesday's election.

"We respect the choice of the American people and congratulate Mr. Trump on his election as president," stated a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson in an announcement late on Wednesday.

The state-operated China Daily published an editorial on Wednesday suggesting that Trump's second term could establish a "new beginning in China-U.S. relations if the chance that has been offered is not wasted."

The editorial noted that the incoming American administration could enhance dialogue with China to address various issues, "which range from the Taiwan question to trade and to the South China Sea."