‘Beyond A Landslide’: Trump Secures Historic Mandate As Republicans Take Control Of Senate – News18

Last Updated:November 07, 2024, 12:25 IST

Trump wins Arizona, completing a 2024 swing-state sweep, leading Kamala Harris 52.1% to 47%, securing 11 electoral votes in the Grand Canyon State

Donald Trump takes the stage to address supporters at his rally, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, November 6. (Reuters)

Adding salt to the Democrats’ wounds, Donald Trump has completed a clean sweep of key swing states and secured a powerful mandate for his party in a highly divisive presidential election that paved the way for the historic comeback of the former US President.

After Trump’s tally surpassed the 270 mark of 538 electoral votes on Wednesday, Republicans gained control of the U.S. Senate and are fighting to maintain their majority in the US House, which would result in a full sweep of Republican control in Congress. Republicans secured a 52-48 US Senate majority and were on track to expand their narrow House of Representatives majority, although a number of the 435 House races remained uncalled.

‘Powerful mandate’

Despite Trump securing over 290 votes, it is important to note that vote counting in certain races could continue for several days. Notably, the race for governor in the US state of Nevada is still awaiting final results, with mail-in ballots continuing to be counted. Therefore, it is premature to determine control of the House. Analysts believe that a unified Republican grip on Washington would set the course for Trump’s agenda of tax and spending cuts, energy deregulation and border security controls.

Speaking early Wednesday at his election night party in Florida, Trump said the results delivered an “unprecedented mandate” for Republicans. Calling the Senate rout “incredible,” he praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, who dashed from his own party in Louisiana to join Trump. “He’s doing a terrific job,” Trump said.

Rejoicing the Republican nominee’s win, Elon Musk wrote on X that “this is an extremely clear mandate from the people for significant change.” “Arizona just declared for Donald Trump, making it a clean sweep of all swing states! Massive red wave success! It is beyond a landslide, as Republicans won:– Presidency, Popular vote, Senate majority, House majority, State governor majority and State legislature majority,” he said. Another pro-Trump account on Musk’s social media platform described the election result as “much larger than a landslide.”

How Democrats Reacted

In a concession speech at her alma mater Howard University on Wednesday afternoon, Kamala Harris sought to console the voters who had hoped she would become the first woman to win the White House. “To everyone who is watching, do not despair,” she said. “This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves.”

The outgoing US President’s tone was no different from Kamala’s, as he praised his Vice President for leading a historic campaign under extraordinary circumstances after Joe Biden dropped out of the race. “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,” Biden said in a statement.

Striking a conciliatory tone after a humbling loss, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, in a statement, urged his GOP colleagues to embrace bipartisanship next year to get things done. “As we await the final tallies in elections across the country, Senate Democrats remain committed to our values and to working with our Republican colleagues to deliver for the American people,” Schumer said.

“As I’ve said time and again, in both the majority and the minority, the only way to get things done in the Senate is through bipartisan legislation while maintaining our principles — and the next two years will be no different,” he said.

From Biden To Trump

Following his historic election victory, Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House necessitates the establishment of a new administration, distinct from that of his predecessor, President Biden. US media reports indicate that prominent figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Elon Musk are anticipated to be considered for roles within Trump’s new team upon his return to the Oval Office. The president-elect now has a 75-day transition period to build out his team before Inauguration Day arrives on Jan. 20.

One top item on the to-do list: filling around 4,000 government positions with political appointees, people who are specifically tapped for their jobs by Trump’s team. That includes everyone from the secretary of state and other heads of Cabinet departments to those selected to serve part-time on boards and commissions. Around 1,200 of those presidential appointments require Senate confirmation, which should be easier with the Senate now shifting to Republican control.

Trump’s transition team

The White House is encouraging Trump to enter into the required agreements necessary to begin an orderly presidential transition, the Associated Press reported. Trump’s transition team still has not signed the agreements with the White House and the General Services Administration that allow them access to federal facilities, documents and personnel.

The delay is holding up the federal government’s ability to begin processing security clearances for potential Trump administration national security appointees, potentially limiting the number of his staff who could work on sensitive information by Inauguration Day.

(With  agency inputs)

Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)