DONALD Trump’s loyal fans have revealed the euphoria they felt at his Palm Beach victory party as they celebrated the former president’s triumphant return to office.
It was just before 2am when Fox News first projected him as the winner of the presidential race – and the screams of joy inside the town hall could not be louder.
Trump was busy hosting an exclusive star-studded evening with donors – including tech billionaire Elon Musk – at his Mar-a-Lago beach resort.
But within an hour, he was standing in front of thousands of his die-hard supporters taking over a stage that was decorated with hundreds of American flags.
And his fans could not help but shout and cry and dance in joy and euphoria as they saw their triumphant president.
“My personal life is a shambles, but I’m happy for this,” Edward X. Young, 65, told The Wall Street Journal.
“I knew in my heart he would win,” said another fanKelly, who has been a Trump supporter since 2015.
Incredible pictures captured the true emotions of the MAGA bash, where hoards of people were celebrating Trump’s mega win.
For his supporters, he was a hero, the one who faced a slew of criminal charges – and even a dangerous assassination attempt – before finally securing a second White House term.
“I am very excited. I think he has done it. It means our country will be saved. It is as simple as that,” said 61-year-old Trisha Hope as she rejoiced in joy.
“These last four years have been pure torture. Just go to the grocery store. People cannot afford to eat. It’s ridiculous,” she added while speaking to The Telegraph.
Hundreds of women, all clad in shiny red dresses, were jumping in joy.
On huge screens, they projected: “Trump elected as the 47th president.”
“We don’t talk about politics here,” said Dave Goodboy, the founder of the Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association joked.
At around 2.30 am, Trump arrived at the scene where God Bless the USA – the anthem of his MAGA campaign – was being blasted at full volume.
And as he sang along to the anthem, he took over the stage and said: “This will truly be a golden age for America.”
It was a moment he waited for four years. And he was prepared.
A defeated Harris went into hiding, presumably at the VP mansion she will call home for only a few more weeks, and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
Harris had selected her alma mater Howard University as the location for what she hoped would be a victory celebration.
Not unlike Hilary Clinton’s glass ceiling-topped room in 2016 – it was symbolic as an Ivy League institution known for educating Black Americans over generations.
Early in the evening the university’s gospel choir sang Oh Happy Day and countless students gathered to hear the results, dancing, singing and celebrating.
By the morning Harris’ had refused to concede with her camp still insisting the votes still had to be fully counted.
In an email sent out by campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon to staff, she remained upbeat.
“We have known all along that our clearest path to 270 electoral votes lies through the Blue Wall states,” she said.
“And we feel good about what we’re seeing.”
Harris’ camp soon announced that she would not be coming out to speak to supporters just as Trump’s motorcade was winding its way down to Palm Beach Convention Center for a triumphant speech.
Pictures showed downcast supporters flagging in the early hours after North Carolina flipped from blue to red.
When Georgia was called in his favour the mood dipped further.
Some leant on the railings, others sat, and many held their heads in their hands before giving up and going home.
Shortly after the Republican nominee took Pennsylvania – effectively marking the end of Harris’ hopes for the presidency.
Before 6am ET gloomy pictures showed the once bubbly atmosphere now a deserted ghost town, with rubbish strewed across the ground and discarded American flags.
Scores of dejected Democrat fans had deserted the watch party grounds at Howard University in Washington DC, appearing to accept defeat.
Fox News reported that Harris’ press spokesperson told staff not to speak to the media as her poll numbers dwindled across the country.
Trump is now set to become the 47th POTUS – but not until January.
He will be inaugurated after a transition period in the coming weeks where he can plan and organise the upcoming administration.
On January 20 2025, Trump will be sworn into office in a ceremony held at the US Capitol in Washington DC.
After taking the Oath of Office, he will officially begin his term.
Once in the Oval Office, he can officially nominate key cabinet members likely selected during the transition period.
These appointments need to be confirmed by the Senate.
Trump can then begin implementing his agenda through executive orders, which are legally binding directives to federal agencies.
Early engagements often focus on key priorities like economic plans, healthcare, or national security.
He may also begin discussions with members of Congress to ensure cooperation on their legislative agenda.
The ‘First 100 days’ will be a critical period for Trump to establish himself as President and set the tone for his four-year term in power.
