WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Former president Donald Trump declared victory early Wednesday morning before the Associated Press officially projected a winner.
Surrounded by family and his closest inner circle, Trump claimed himself as the next president of the United States.
"We're going to help our country heal," Trump said in a victory speech.
While several battleground states have not yet been called by AP, Trump's win in Pennsylvania effectively blocked any of Vice President Kamala Harris' paths to victory.
As Trump spoke, AP's electoral vote count was 267-214. He also claimed to have won the popular vote, though it's expected to take several days or longer to determine which candidate received the most votes nationally.
He promised that he would “not rest until we have delivered the strong safe and prosperous America.”
“Every single day,” Trump said, “I will be fighting for you with every breath in my body.”
Trump, 78, would be the oldest president ever elected. He would also be the first defeated president in 132 years to win another term in the White House, and the first person convicted of a felony to take over the Oval Office.
Donald Trump made sure to recognize GOP wins in down ballot races in his speech in the early morning Wednesday.
“The number of victories in the senate was absolutely incredible,” Trump said.
Republicans have so far won 51 seats, giving them a majority. But Montana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Nevada have not been called, and it’s possible Republicans could pick up more seats.
