The Republican candidate has won at least 277 Electoral College votes, per The Associated Press.
Donald Trump has been elected to return to the White House as the 47th United States president.
The vote was called for the Republican candidate by The Associated Press news agency early on Wednesday. His victory has been met by international congratulations but is likely to add further uncertainty to a turbulent geopolitical situation.
Results showed Trump beating Vice President Kamala Harris in a race far less tight than expected as he triumphed in key battleground states.
Victory in Wisconsin after earlier triumphs in Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania saw the former president clear the threshold of the 270 Electoral College votes required to clinch the White House in Tuesday’s election.
Trump’s victory in those swing states currently sees him with 277 electoral votes against 224 for Harris. Polls had predicted a much tighter race, but it appears that anger fuelled the Republican’s remarkable comeback from defeat in 2020 and widespread condemnation of his refusal to accept the result.
That refusal sparked a violent insurrection at the US Capitol, and Trump was also convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.
However, his campaign, which has seen him demonise his political opponents, immigrants and many minorities, tapped into the frustrations of many voters in a bitterly polarised nation.
Speaking to his supporters as he declared victory, Trump claimed he had won “an unprecedented and powerful mandate”.
Anger and resentment
Scott Lucas, a professor of international politics at the University of Dublin, told Al Jazeera that Trump’s victory stemmed from frustrations that have been bubbling within the US public for years.
“There is anger and resentment in the US, which has been there for quite some time. It’s been a trauma since 9/11. It’s been there with the financial crash in 2008-2009. It was there in 2016 when Trump exploited it, and he exploited it again,” Lucas said, adding that Trump was able to do that because the “political system is damaged”.
Concern over the economy, and inflation in particular, under President Joe Biden was a major focus of the campaign.
That also encouraged opposition to the support Washington is giving to Ukraine in its war against Russia. Meanwhile, the failure to rein in Israel’s wars on Gaza and Lebanon has angered Muslim and liberal voters.
Those complex geopolitical issues will test Trump, who is known for his simplistic claims of being capable of quickly solving such issues.
He has promised to end the war in Ukraine in a day, an idea that has Kyiv wary that it could face pressure to strike a deal to hand over territory to Russia. NATO allies, meanwhile, fear Trump will weaken the alliance’s mutual defence guarantees.
Trump is also a strong supporter of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and has boasted he will end the war with Hamas in Gaza in hours.
“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!” Netanyahu said in a statement after Trump declared victory.
The enthusiasm in Israel also stems from the incoming president’s hawkish approach to Iran, which he is likely to reassert.
China is also braced for a more confrontational relationship with the US under Trump, who is expected to revive staunchly nationalistic trade policies, putting both allies and rivals on edge.
‘Much more dangerous era’
However, at home, supporters will look to Trump to put the focus on the welfare of US citizens while following through on promises to enact an agenda that would transform nearly every aspect of American government.
That will include plans to launch the largest deportation effort in the nation’s history and use the Department of Justice to punish his enemies.
The result is that “we are going into a much more dangerous era for Americans and for the world because this will not be a coherent US policy for America but one pursued for Trump,” Lucas said.
Entitled Guy on Plane Treats Flight Attendant Like Trash, Orders Her to Clean His Shoes – But Karma Hits Him Hard Immediately
When an entitled businessman, Todd, boards a flight and begins berating the flight attendant, his arrogance hits a new low when he demands she clean his shoes mid-flight. But karma strikes fast when a powerful stranger steps in, flipping the script in a shocking twist.
I settled into my first-class seat, grateful for the perk of a free upgrade after a grueling week of business meetings.
Interior of an airplane | Source: Unsplash
The quiet hum of the cabin was a welcome respite from the chaos of the airport. I closed my eyes, ready to savor these moments of peace before takeoff.
But the universe had other plans.
The unmistakable sound of expensive shoes on the carpet caught my attention. I cracked open an eye to see a man strutting down the aisle like he owned the plane.
Everything about him screamed “I’m better than you,” from his perfectly tailored suit to the designer sunglasses perched on his nose.
A man on a plane | Source: Midjourney
Even in first class, he stood out.
As he approached his seat across the aisle from me, I caught the eye of Samantha, our flight attendant. She gave me a warm smile, but I noticed a flicker of… something in her eyes. Resignation? She’d clearly dealt with his type before.
“Welcome aboard, sir,” Samantha said, her voice professional and pleasant. “Can I help you with your bag?”
A flight attendant | Source: Midjourney
The man (I’d later learn his name was Todd) barely glanced at her.
“It’s fine,” he muttered, shoving his carry-on into the overhead bin with more force than necessary.
I sighed internally. It was going to be one of those flights.
As the rest of the passengers filed in, Todd made himself comfortable, spreading out like a peacock. He snapped his fingers at Samantha, who was helping an elderly woman to her seat.
“Hey, you,” he barked. “I need a drink.”
A man on a plane | Source: Midjourney
Samantha finished assisting the woman before turning to Todd with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Of course, sir. What can I get for you?”
Todd didn’t even look up from his phone. “Scotch. Make it fast.”
I watched as Samantha’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “I’ll get that for you right away, sir.”
A few minutes later, she returned with his drink. Todd took one sip and wrinkled his nose like a toddler presented with broccoli.
A glass | Source: Pexels
“This tastes horrible,” he spat. “You call this service? Get me another one.”
Samantha’s face remained a mask of calm, but I could see the strain around her eyes. “I’ll be right back, sir,” she replied before heading off to prepare another drink.
When she returned with the second scotch, Todd didn’t even bother to thank her. Instead, he looked down at his shoes, which had the tiniest speck of dust on them. What happened next made my blood boil.
A pair of shoes | Source: Pexels
Todd kicked his foot out towards Samantha and sneered, “While you’re at it, clean my shoes! You’re here to serve me, aren’t you?”
The entire cabin went silent. I felt my fingernails digging into my palms as I clenched my fists.
Samantha froze for a moment, and I could see the muscles in her jaw working as she forced a smile. “I’m sorry, sir, but I’m not able to assist with that.”
Todd scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. “Then what are you here for?”
A man on a plane waving | Source: Midjourney
“You should be thankful someone like me is even flying with this airline,” he continued. “The least you can do is keep the drinks coming and make yourself useful. Who knows? I might even tip you.”
I nearly choked. Tip her? On a plane? Who did this guy think he was?
Samantha, ever the professional, just nodded and walked away, probably to keep herself from saying something she’d regret.
As she passed by my seat, I caught her eye and mouthed, “I’m so sorry.” She gave me a small, grateful smile before continuing down the aisle.
Interior of an airplane | Source: Unsplash
The flight took off, and Todd’s behavior only got worse. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion: horrifying, yet impossible to look away from. Every few minutes, he’d find something new to complain about, each grievance more ridiculous than the last.
“Hey!” Todd’s voice cut through the quiet hum of the engines. “It’s freezing in here. Do something about it!”
Samantha appeared at his side, ever patient. “I’m sorry you’re uncomfortable, sir. I’ll adjust the temperature for this section.”
A flight attendant | Source: Midjourney
But of course, that wasn’t good enough for Todd. “Well, don’t just stand there. Get me a blanket. And make it snappy!”
I watched as Samantha retreated to fetch the demanded blanket, her shoulders tight with tension. Across the aisle, an older gentleman caught my eye and shook his head in disbelief.
No sooner had Samantha returned with the blanket than Todd was onto his next complaint. “This Wi-Fi is garbage,” he growled, jabbing at his tablet. “I’m trying to do important business here. Can’t you make it go faster?”
A scowling man | Source: Unsplash
“I apologize, sir,” Samantha replied, her voice strained but professional. “Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi speed is affected by our altitude and location. We don’t have control over-“
“Excuses!” Todd interrupted. “I pay good money for this seat. I expect better service.”
A woman a few rows ahead turned around, glaring daggers at Todd. For a moment, I thought she might say something, but she just huffed and turned back around.
The litany of complaints continued. Todd’s seat wasn’t comfortable enough. His drink wasn’t cold enough. The lighting was too bright, then too dim. At one point, he even had the audacity to complain about the angle of his tray table.
A flight attendant speaking to a passenger | Source: Unsplash
“This thing is crooked,” he snapped, gesturing at the perfectly level surface. “How am I supposed to work like this?”
Samantha leaned in to examine the tray. “It appears to be level, sir. Is there something specific that’s bothering you about it?”
Todd rolled his eyes dramatically. “Of course you can’t see it. Just get me the captain. Maybe he can do something about this incompetence.”
I could almost hear the collective intake of breath from the surrounding passengers. The tension in the cabin was palpable, a rubber band stretched to its limit.
First-class passengers on a plane | Source: Midjourney
That’s when I noticed movement a few rows back. A tall man in his mid-50s stood up, adjusting his casual blazer. He made his way towards Todd, and I found myself holding my breath.
“Todd?” the man said, his voice deep and commanding. “I thought that was you.”
Todd’s head snapped up, and I swear I saw all the color drain from his face. “Mr. Harris!” he squeaked, scrambling to his feet. “I… I didn’t know you were on this flight.”
A man in a suit | Source: Pexels
Mr. Harris, who was clearly Todd’s boss, smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Evidently not,” he said coolly. “I’ve been enjoying quite the show from my seat back there.”
Todd’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. “Sir, I can explain–”
Mr. Harris held up a hand, cutting him off. “Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary, Todd. Your behavior has been… illuminating.”
I couldn’t help but lean in, trying to catch every word of this exchange.
A woman | Source: Midjourney
Around me, I noticed other passengers doing the same, all of us united in our schadenfreude.
“Tell me, Todd,” Mr. Harris continued, his voice deceptively calm, “do you think this is how we expect our employees to conduct themselves? Berating service staff, making unreasonable demands, acting as though the world revolves around you?”
Todd opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water. “I… I was just…”
“You were just embarrassing yourself and, by extension, our company,” Mr. Harris finished for him, adjusting his cufflinks.
A man adjusting his cufflinks | Source: Pexels
“I’m curious, do you treat your colleagues this way? Your subordinates?”
Todd’s face had gone from pale to a sickly shade of green. “Of course not, sir,” he mumbled.
Mr. Harris raised an eyebrow. “No? Then why do you think it’s acceptable to treat the hardworking staff of this airline any differently?” He paused, letting the question hang in the air.
“You know, Todd, since you seem so concerned about cleanliness, perhaps you’d like to shine your own shoes when we land. After all, isn’t that what you’re here for? To be useful?”
A thoughtful man | Source: Pexels
I had to bite my lip to keep from cheering out loud. Around me, I could see other passengers struggling to contain their glee.
“Mr. Harris, please,” Todd stammered, “I promise it won’t happen again.”
His boss fixed him with a steely gaze. “You’re right about that, Todd. When we land, you and I are going to have a very serious conversation about your future with the company. Or rather, your lack thereof.”
A man with a steely gaze | Source: Midjourney
With that, Mr. Harris turned on his heel and walked back to his seat, leaving Todd standing there, shell-shocked and humiliated.
For the rest of the flight, Todd was a changed man. He sat quietly, avoiding eye contact with everyone. When Samantha came by to collect trash, he mumbled a barely audible “thank you” without looking up.
As we began our descent, I caught Samantha’s eye again. This time, her smile was genuine, reaching all the way to her eyes. I gave her a little thumbs up, and she winked in return.
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