Donald Trump today pulled off what may be the most stunning of victories in American presidential politics, knocking off a heavily favored and well-financed candidate.
Trump was elected America’s 45th president.
Trump, best known as a real estate and reality television star, looked to be dead in the water two weeks ago. But, he rallied to defeat Hillary Clinton in a stunning rebuke to the political establishment of the country.
As of about 11:30 a.m., Trump garnered at least 274 electoral votes, above the 270 threshold needed to seal the election. He pulled off unexpected victories in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida and Wisconsin.
Races in Arizona, New Hampshire and Michigan remained too close to call and undecided.
“I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans,” Trump said in a widely heralded victory speech. In his remarks, Trump struck a much more presidential tone that was missing for much of his campaign.
Many wrote off Trump as allegations of inappropriate remarks and actions arose. For her part, Clinton was plagued by questions of whether she inappropriately used a private email server to send and receive classified materials.
This election is perhaps most stunning in that it involved two candidates held in overwhelmingly negative regard by many voters.
Such a beautiful and important evening! The forgotten man and woman will never be forgotten again. We will all come together as never before
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2016
Watching the returns at 9:45pm. #ElectionNight #MAGA🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/HfuJeRZbod
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2016
