US Vice President Kamala Harris congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the 2024 presidential election, a senior Harris aide confirmed. During the call, Harris emphasised the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and the responsibility of being a president for all Americans.
Harris is set to deliver her concession speech in the 2024 presidential election on Wednesday from Howard University in Washington, DC. The White House confirmed that Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, will address the nation at 4 pm ET from her alma mater.
Initially expected to address her supporters at Howard on election night, Harris postponed her speech as results showed Trump securing a second term after winning key battleground states, including North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Harris’s campaign faced significant challenges in the lead-up to the election, with polls showing a tight race. She became the Democratic nominee in July after President Joe Biden exited the race following a lacklustre performance in a June debate against Trump.
Throughout her three-month campaign, Harris contended with Biden’s declining approval ratings, with exit polls reflecting a 41% disapproval among voters.
Despite the uphill battle, the Harris campaign achieved record-breaking fundraising figures, surpassing $1 billion with the backing of notable billionaires such as Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
While Harris garnered support from key Democratic donors, high-profile figures such as Elon Musk threw their support behind Trump, further polarising the race.
As the first Black woman and Asian American nominated for president by a major party, Harris’s campaign inspired a diverse coalition of supporters, and her concession speech at Howard University marks a historic moment in US politics.
