Trump Secures White House Victory Over Kamala Harris: Latest Updates on Election Results, Cabinet Appointments, and Key Political Moves

It’s been a whirlwind week in US politics as Donald Trump successfully secured his second term, defeating Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris in a tense race to the White House. The election results have been finalized, and now attention is turning to Trump’s post-election moves, including key cabinet appointments and the formation of his new administration.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest political developments you might have missed over the weekend.

Trump Wins Arizona and Nevada, Secures 312 Electoral Votes

The Associated Press officially called Nevada and Arizona for Donald Trump, marking the completion of his clean sweep of all seven battleground states. These final calls sealed his victory, pushing his total to 312 electoral votes, well above the 270 needed to win.

By winning Nevada, Trump returned the state to the Republican fold for the first time in two decades. His victory in Arizona was similarly significant, as it has been a contentious swing state in recent elections. With these results, Trump’s Electoral College lead over Harris, who garnered 226 votes, is now firmly locked in.

Nationwide, Trump claimed 74.6 million votes (50.5%), while Harris received 70.9 million (48%). In addition to Arizona and Nevada, Trump triumphed in critical swing states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Biden and Trump Prepare for Oval Office Meeting

In the aftermath of the election, President Joe Biden has announced he will meet with Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, marking a formal and traditional meeting between the outgoing and incoming president.

This is a customary gesture to ensure a peaceful transition of power, though it’s notable that Trump did not extend the same courtesy to Biden in 2020 after losing re-election. In a speech, Biden confirmed he would direct his administration to work with Trump’s team for an orderly handover of power.

The meeting will take place at 11 AM EST on Wednesday (3 AM AEST Thursday), where Biden and Trump are expected to discuss the transition process, a vital part of ensuring the smooth functioning of the US government.

Elon Musk Joins Trump’s Post-Election Conversations

In a surprising twist, billionaire Elon Musk was reportedly part of a phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following Trump’s victory. According to Ukrainian officials, Musk, who has supported Trump’s campaign with significant personal funding, played an instrumental role in facilitating communication. Musk was physically present with Trump during the call, though it was the president-elect who took the lead in the conversation.

During the brief discussion, Zelenskyy thanked Musk for his contributions, notably the Starlink satellite internet service, which has been crucial for Ukrainian troops. Musk’s growing influence in Trump’s political circle raises questions about the role the tech mogul may play in the next administration.

Susie Wiles Named Trump’s Chief of Staff

In the first major appointment of his second term, Donald Trump has named Susie Wiles as his new chief of staff. Wiles, who served as Trump’s campaign manager and played a pivotal role in both his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, becomes the first woman to hold the influential role in the White House.

Trump praised Wiles as “tough, smart, and innovative,” and described her as “universally admired and respected.” Known as the “Ice Maiden” for her calm under pressure, Wiles will be responsible for managing the White House staff and serving as a key advisor to the president.

Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo Not Joining Trump’s Team

While Wiles’ appointment is a clear sign of Trump’s vision for his second term, he has also ruled out several prominent figures from his inner circle. In a post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed that former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would not be joining his new administration.

Haley, who was once a fierce critic of Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries but later endorsed him, had been rumored as a potential cabinet appointee. Pompeo, another former Trump ally and former CIA Director, was also floated for positions like Secretary of Defense but will not be part of Trump’s team moving forward.

Kamala Harris Spends Time with Family After Election Loss

In the aftermath of her defeat, Kamala Harris has kept a low profile, spending time with family and reflecting on the election results. On social media, her niece, Meena Harris, shared heartwarming photos of the outgoing Vice-President playing games with her grandchildren, showing a more personal side of the politician.

"My eternal gratitude to everyone who showed up. We love her so much," Meena wrote on Instagram, as Harris recharges after what has been a grueling campaign.