Donald Trump poised to become 47th president of United States

With the swing state of Pennsylvania called in his favour, Donald Trump has almost secured enough electoral college votes to become the 47th president of the United States. While the race has not been officially called yet, many European leaders already congratulated the former president.

The race was called by Republican-leaning Fox News early on Wednesday morning, proclaiming victories in four key swing states: North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. These victories would put Trump over the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the presidency. Republicans also won control of the Senate.

"We have made history," Trump said in a speech in Pennsylvania, promising a "golden age" for his country. "We have just witnessed the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America," said his running mate, JD Vance.

Democratic candidate Kamala Harris decided not to speak on election night. She will address her supporters later on Wednesday, an aide said.

Shift to the right

Trump's victory marks a historic shift to the right for the US. Republicans made gains in almost every state, including those won by Harris, and took control of the Senate. The results are in stark contrast to the 2022 midterms, where Democrats outperformed expectations. Unlike Trump's victory in 2016, he is now on track to win the popular vote as well.

Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo congratulated Donald Trump on social media. "Belgium looks forward to further strengthening transatlantic ties," he wrote on X. He said "strong alliances" would be needed "to address current global challenges and ensure our prosperity".

NATO secretary general Mark Rutte and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated Trump on X. His victory could have serious consequences for NATO and the war in Ukraine, as Trump has threatened to withdraw from the alliance many times in the past.

^{© PHOTO JIM WATSON / AFP}