Trump promises a golden age for America

DONALD Trump defied bullets, lawsuits, court trials and repeated claims of fascism to make the greatest political comeback in history as he won the US Presidential election.

- Martyn Brown

Four years after having to leave the White House, the Republican strongman is due to move back in after millions of Americans voted to give him a second chance - and he in return promised "a golden age".

Riding a wave of support from working-class, black and Latino voters the 78-year-old comprehensively defeated Vice-President Kamala Harris when several "swing states" flipped in his favour in a humiliating blow to the incumbent Democrats.

Voter concerns over the economy and immigration helped pave the way for the 45th President of the United States to become the 47th.

By last night Mr Trump was on course to secure more than 300 electoral college votes in a landslide win, the scale of which few had predicted.

He had also picked up more than 50% of the popular vote compared with his rival's 47%. Ms Harris called Mr Trump yesterday afternoon to concede, and to congratulate him.

An aide said she stressed the need for a peaceful transfer of power. The defeated Democrat addressed the public in a speech at her alma mater Howard University last night. President Joe Biden also called the President-elect.

Mr Trump's camp said the poll rivals agreed "on the importance of unifying the country". His campaign communications director Steven Cheung added the President-elect acknowledged her "strength, professionalism and tenacity throughout".

His dramatic return to the Oval Office follows an election campaign that was for the history books, with Mr Trump surviving two assassination bids and original opponent President Biden dropping out just months before polling day.

At a campaign party in Florida early yesterday, Mr Trump pledged to "fight" for every citizen and promised a "golden age of America".