In what was expected to be a tight race to the White House, Donald Trump is poised to earn a convincing victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential election. Having been declared as the winner of the key battleground state of Pennsylvania, Trump now has 267 electoral votes - just three shy of the total of 270 needed to claim the presidency.

“A magnificent victory for the American people”

With a return to the Oval Office in sight, Trump spoke of a “political victory that our country has never seen before” as he addressed supporters at his watch party in West Palm Beach, Florida. “This will truly be the golden age of America,” he said. “This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again.”

Referring to his survival of an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July, Trump said: “Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason. And that reason was to save our country and to restore American to greatness.”

The 78-year-old, who is set to become only the second man to serve two non-consecutive terms as US president, added: “I will govern by a simple model, promises made, promises kept […]. It’s time to put the divisions of the past four years behind us. It’s time to unite, and we’re going to try.”

Although Trump has not quite secured the electoral votes he needs to be confirmed as the 47th president of the US, world leaders have begun sending public messages of congratulations:

Viktor Orbán, Hungarian prime minister:

“The biggest comeback in US political history! Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the World!”

Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador:

“Congratulations to the President-Elect of the United States of America, Donald Trump. May God bless and guide you.”

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister:

“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine:

“Congratulations to DonaldTrump on his impressive election victory! I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine.

“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the “peace through strength” approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together.”

French president Emmanuel Macron:

“Congratulations, President DonaldTrump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”

Keir Starmer, prime minister of the UK:

“Congratulations President-elect DonaldTrump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.”

Giorgia Meloni, Italian prime minister:

“On behalf of myself and the Italian Government, my most sincere congratulations to the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump. Italy and the United States are “sister” nations, linked by an unshakable alliance, common values, and a historic friendship. It is a strategic bond, which I am sure we will now strengthen even further.”

Narendra Modi, Indian prime minister:

“Heartiest congratulations my friend DonaldTrump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.”