Donald Trump makes historic comeback, declares victory in second non-consecutive presidential election

Former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump is set to secure a second non-consecutive term in the White House by winning in more than half of the 50 US states and defeating Vice-President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

The winning states include three of the swing states including Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Trump has won states such as Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia, while Harris has secured Vermont.

He has won 267 electoral votes so far, just three short of the required 270 to win.

As the results show a potential win for Donald Trump, he while addressing his supporters in Florida, claimed victory as the 47th President of the United States.

Trump was greeted by his supporters with resounding cheers. World leaders have already begun sending congratulations to Trump with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being the first one to do so.

“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,” said Netanyahu, adding “This is a huge victory!”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Trump on his historic comeback. “As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration further to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and promote global peace, stability and prosperity,” Modi said in a post on X.

Trump, 78, is only the second man in history to serve two non-consecutive terms as president.

The first US president to serve two non-consecutive terms was Grover Cleveland. He was elected as the 22nd president in 1884 and then again as the 24th president in 1892, making him the only president to date to hold two non-consecutive terms.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also extended congratulations to Trump on his second term.
“The biggest comeback in US political history! Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his enormous win. A much-needed victory for the World!” Orban said.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise. From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also took to X to acknowledge Trump's victory, “Ready to work together as we were able to do during four years. With your convictions and mine. In respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he appreciates Trump’s commitment to “peace through strength” as the Republican presidential nominee closes in on the electoral votes needed to win the White House.

“We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership,” said Zelenskyy, adding “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.”

While Trump has claimed victory, Kamala Harris has not yet conceded, and the final results will depend on the outcomes in the remaining key states.