Donald Trump claimed victory and promised to “heal” the country as he stood on the cusp of a remarkable comeback in the 2024 presidential race, with Fox News being the first to declare him the winner. At the campaign headquarters in Florida, the Republican former president addressed jubilant supporters, flanked by his wife, Melania, and several children, as they cheered and chanted “USA.”

“We are going to help our country heal,” Trump told the crowd. “It’s a political victory that our country has never seen before.” While Fox News had announced results showing Trump’s dominance in key swing states, such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, the race remained tight with some states still uncalled.

The victory was quickly overshadowed by gloom in the camp of his opponent, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Despite a strong campaign, including her bid to be the first woman and second Black president, the mood shifted drastically at her watch party in Washington, D.C., as her supporters expressed anxiety over the rapidly unfolding results.

Trump’s Republican Party also dealt a blow to the Democrats by seizing control of the Senate, flipping two seats and ending a narrow Democratic majority. This shift marks a significant turning point, as the GOP now holds power in both chambers of Congress.

The global impact of a Trump victory remains a key concern. Allies in Europe and Asia are apprehensive about a potential return to his nationalist policies, including his admiration for leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, global markets reacted positively, with the US dollar surging and bitcoin reaching record highs as investors anticipated a win for Trump.

Trump’s campaign had been marred by controversies, including his ongoing legal battles and his stance on immigration, where he vowed to pursue an unprecedented deportation campaign. Despite these challenges, his supporters rallied behind him, citing his “America First” rhetoric as a reason for his potential success.

With Election Day closing, the world continues to watch as the final results are tallied, unsure whether Trump will secure a historic political comeback or if Harris will become the first woman to hold the office of the US president. The stakes of the 2024 election couldn’t be higher, with tensions running high across the nation and globally.