TRUMP WINS BIG

Former president Donald Trump has pulled off a stunning comeback in the 2024 US election, riding on a multiracial coalition of supporters that not only powered his Electoral College win, but also appeared to vindicate his controversial politics by awarding him the popular vote.

- Bhagyashree Garekar

• He surpasses Kamala Harris in tally of electoral votes 277-224, in count so far

• Set to become first Republican to win popular vote in 20 years

• Republicans seize control of Senate but House of Representatives still up for grabs

Four years after leaving Washington in disgrace, blamed for inciting an insurrection and refusing to concede that he lost the 2020 election, he will become the first American president in more than 130 years to serve non-consecutive terms.

At 78, he will also be the country's oldest president ever, turning 82 by the end of his term.

And also its most resilient: Impeached twice, convicted 34 times and nearly assassinated, he defied the odds to get here.

His triumph in the Nov 5 election was not just the story of a base energized, but also a base significantly expanded.

After receiving less than 47 percent of the popular vote in his two earlier campaigns in 2016 and 2020, Trump was favored this round to win the popular vote and end a 20-year losing streak among Republican candidates in vote totals.

His party also took control of the Senate, after flipping seats in Montana, Ohio and West Virginia, and beating back challenges in Florida, Nebraska and Texas.

This is critical for Trump's ability to pick a Cabinet of his choice because those appointments require a Senate confirmation.

And if the Republicans retain their majority in the House of Representatives - the race was still too close to call at press time - he will be nearly unstoppable in carrying out his legislative agenda.