On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump achieved a significant milestone by officially winning the Electoral College, securing his presidency after the 2024 election held on November 5. The decisive moment came when Texas electors awarded him their 40 electoral votes, contributing to his overall tally of 312 votes against Vice President Kamala Harris’s 226. This formal acknowledgment of his victory followed the certification of election results in various states, highlighting the importance of the Electoral College in determining the outcome of presidential elections. The allocation of electoral votes is based on each state’s population as determined by the 2020 Census, with a total of 538 electors and a majority of 270 needed to secure the presidency.
Trump’s victory was underscored by his success in winning all seven battleground states, including a critical win in Pennsylvania, where he secured 19 electoral votes. Trump’s celebration was evident in a social media post, showcasing his excitement over the win in Pennsylvania, and he noted the significance of this achievement as an indication of the election’s broader implications. Nationally, Trump also outperformed in the popular vote, which further solidified the notion of a Republican resurgence, as the party also regained control of both the House and Senate. In celebrating his win, Trump claimed that “America has given us an unprecedented mandate,” suggesting a strong voter approval for his policies and vision moving forward.
In the wake of his electoral success, Trump has been actively preparing for his second term in office. This involves assembling a new team for his administration, with a focus on nominations for his Cabinet and White House staff. He has begun the nomination process for various positions, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the role of Health and Human Services secretary and Tulsi Gabbard as the intelligence chief. Such appointments reflect Trump’s strategy to align with individuals who have significant political experience and public profiles, signaling a robust and dynamic team is taking shape.
On the same day as his electoral win, Trump announced additional nominations for ambassadorial roles, indicating his proactive approach towards filling key governmental positions. Notably, he selected Herschel Walker, a retired NFL player, for the ambassadorship to the Bahamas, alongside philanthropist Nicole McGraw for the ambassadorship to Croatia. These appointments are a method for Trump to diversify his administration and leverage the backgrounds of successful individuals outside of traditional political circles to enhance diplomatic relations.
Electoral electors, who have played a crucial role in solidifying Trump’s victory, are mandated to send their certified results to Washington, D.C., by December 25. Under the Constitution, Vice President Harris, in her capacity as President of the Senate, is responsible for declaring the result of the presidential election. The official certification of the election results will take place during a joint session of Congress scheduled for January 6. Following this, Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance are set to be inaugurated on January 20, marking the beginning of a new term in the White House.
Trump’s substantial electoral win and the structure of his upcoming administration illustrate a significant transition in U.S. governance, with the Republican Party poised to wield considerable power at both the executive and legislative levels. As Trump prepares to assume office again, the implications of his administration—amid ongoing partisan divisions—are sure to shape the political landscape in the coming years. His focus on strengthening relationships within his government and his ability to harness the momentum from the election will be critical as America approaches a new chapter in its governance.
