New Delhi: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris formally conceded the presidential election to Donald Trump after a heated and deeply divisive campaign. In her concession speech, the Democratic leader emphasized that, while she had accepted the election results, she hadn’t relinquished “the fight that fueled this campaign.”
“While I concede the election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign—the fight for freedom, opportunity, and dignity for all,” Ms. Harris declared in her under-15-minute address, drawing cheers from her supporters despite the painful loss. She urged them to “keep fighting.”
In closing, she offered a hopeful message: “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. I know many feel we are entering a dark time… Let us fill the sky with the light of billions of stars—the light of truth, optimism, and service.”
“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, and not what we voted for. But know this: the light of America’s promise will always burn bright, as long as we never give up and keep fighting,” she affirmed.
Ms. Harris also emphasized the importance of accepting the election results. “Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I assured him that we would assist him and his team in a peaceful transfer of power,” she told supporters gathered at Howard University, her alma mater.
Mr. Trump’s victory, marking a return to the White House, follows one of the most contentious campaigns in recent U.S. history, one that included his unprecedented criminal conviction, a near-assassination attempt, and warnings from a former chief of staff who described him as a “fascist.” Despite a criminal conviction, two impeachments from his previous term, and previous Capitol insurrection accusations, Mr. Trump secured a broader margin than before.
At 78, Mr. Trump will become the oldest president inaugurated on January 20. If Ms. Harris had won, she would have been the first female president of the United States. “It’s a political victory unlike anything our country has seen before,” Mr. Trump said earlier in his victory speech.
Global leaders quickly pledged to work with President-elect Donald Trump, despite concerns about his “America First” stance. Ukraine, invaded by Russia in 2022, may be among the nations most anxious about his return.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first leaders to call Mr. Trump to congratulate him. “Had a great conversation with my friend, President Donald Trump, congratulating him on his spectacular victory. Looking forward to working closely again to further strengthen India-U.S. relations in technology, defense, energy, space, and other areas,” PM Modi shared on X.
Mr. Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have criticized the billions of dollars in U.S. aid to Ukraine under outgoing President Joe Biden, with advisors hinting at pressuring Ukraine to negotiate an end to the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also extended his congratulations to Mr. Trump, expressing hope that the new U.S. leader would support a “just peace” for Ukraine.
Kamala Harris entered the race in July after the aging Biden withdrew, running a centrist campaign that called out Mr. Trump’s divisive rhetoric and use of racist and sexist language. However, Trump’s stark warnings on immigration resonated with voters eager for change amidst post-COVID economic challenges and fatigue after the Biden years.
