On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris reached out to former President Donald Trump, conceding defeat in a historic election after an intense competition for the presidency.

According to a senior Harris aide, she emphasized the significance of a peaceful transfer of power and the necessity of being a president for all Americans. Harris is set to address her supporters later in the afternoon.

Opponents of Trump made it clear that his administration would receive no leniency. Following Trump’s victory announcement, various advocacy groups aimed their focus on the president-elect, who is slated to take office on January 20.

The American Civil Liberties Union, known for challenging several of Trump’s controversial policies during his first term, stated they have a strategy ready to implement “the moment he is sworn in.”

Kris Brown, who heads the gun-safety organization Brady, described Trump’s election as “worrisome” but affirmed their commitment to combat gun violence: “While we won’t have an ally in the Oval Office, Brady will not back down.”

Ben Jealous, Executive Director of the Sierra Club, labeled Trump’s initial term a “catastrophe for climate progress” and vowed to legally challenge Trump’s harmful proposals and to persist in pressuring corporations to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

These advocates will confront a presidency likely to have its party controlling both chambers of Congress. GOP candidates successfully secured crucial Senate seats in states like West Virginia and Ohio. While results are still arriving for many closely contested House races, Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence in Republican dominance, noting that “the latest data and trends suggest we will maintain our majority when all the votes are counted.”

Stay tuned to YSL News Network’s live election updates for coverage of the presidential election and related contests.

The election has concluded. Now the real work begins.

George W. Bush congratulates Trump

Former President George W. Bush offered his congratulations to Donald Trump and JD Vance for their victory, expressing gratitude to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for their contributions to the nation in a statement released Wednesday morning.

“The robust turnout in this election reflects the vitality of our republic and the resilience of our democratic institutions,” Bush remarked. “We join our fellow citizens in hoping for the success of our new leaders across all government levels.”

The former Republican president did not endorse either Trump or Harris during the election. Notably, his daughter, Barbara Bush, campaigned for Harris in Pennsylvania, and his vice president, Dick Cheney, supported the Democratic candidate.

– Karissa Waddick 

Who will serve in a second Trump administration?

Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in Tuesday’s election concluded a lengthy and contentious campaign, marking his return to the White House just four years after voters removed him from office.

With the campaign behind him, Trump can now focus on assembling his cabinet and staff to advance his agenda.

A familiar set of individuals—some who served in his previous administration—are poised to return, while others—like those who previously questioned his qualifications for office—may not be as likely to be chosen.

Here’s a rundown of who is likely to be part of his team and who might not be.

–Michael Collins

What is Project 2025 that outlines extreme positions?

The contentious conservative agenda known as Project 2025, a controversially regarded “presidential transition project” developed by the Heritage Foundation, is likely to garner attention once Trump takes office in January. Harris has sought to associate Trump with this 900-page document that contains extreme policy recommendations, such as restricting abortion rights and mass deportation, which the supporters of the project hope Trump will adopt.

Despite the project’s advocates having strong ties to his former administration, Trump has consistently dissociated himself from it, asserting in a July post on Truth Social that he “knows nothing about Project 2025.”

− Cybele Mayes-Osterman and Sam Woodward

When will Kamala Harris speak to supporters?

Harris is scheduled to speak to her supporters at Howard University in Washington at approximately 4 p.m. ET, as confirmed by a source acquainted with the plans. She is expected to formally concede the election.

Initially, Harris planned to address her supporters at an election night celebration at Howard, her alma mater, but chose to remain at home as her chances of victory dwindled. Trump’s triumph was confirmed when he reached the necessary 270 electoral votes, with Wisconsin being projected for him around 5:40 a.m. ET.

Speaker Johnson: Border, inflation issues helped keep House in GOP hands

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., remarked on Wednesday that the House is poised to remain in Republican hands, crediting this to strong backing for border security and efforts to curb inflation. He mentioned the House will collaborate in a unified GOP government alongside the Senate and White House following wins in key swing districts in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

“The most recent data and trends suggest that Republicans will keep their majority, despite facing a landscape with 18 seats won by Biden,” Johnson stated. “I am eager to collaborate with President Trump and a Republican Senate to fulfill the mandate entrusted to us by the American people.”

RFK Jr. aims to reform FDA

On Wednesday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed his intention to overhaul “entire departments” at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if given the opportunity in a forthcoming Trump administration.

“I have the ability to eliminate corruption from agencies,” Kennedy stated during an MSNBC interview. “That’s been my focus for the past four decades. I have filed lawsuits against these agencies and hold a Ph.D. in corporate corruption.”

During his victory speech, the president-elect acknowledged Kennedy, who paused his independent presidential campaign to endorse Trump. Recently, Kennedy mentioned that Trump had “promised” him oversight of U.S. health agencies, although a transition team member disputed this claim.

“He will assist in making America healthy again,” Trump remarked about Kennedy early Wednesday. “He has his plans, and we’ll support him in that.”

− Rachel Barber

Jeff Bezos commends Trump on victory

Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and owner of The Washington Post, extended his congratulations to President-elect Trump for his win against Harris on Wednesday.

“Congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on a remarkable political comeback and decisive win. No country possesses greater opportunities,” Bezos shared in a post on X Wednesday morning. “Wishing @realDonaldTrump all the best in leading and uniting the America we cherish.”

These congratulations followed a week in which Bezos justified The Post’s decision to abstain from endorsing either presidential candidate. This break from a long-standing tradition led to the resignations of several editorial board members and the cancellation of over 200,000 digital subscriptions, according to NPR. The editorial board had aimed to endorse Harris until Bezos decided to halt all presidential endorsements.

In an op-ed, Bezos defended the decision, claiming it would help restore public confidence by eliminating a practice that gives the impression of bias and a lack of independence.

− Chris Cann

Mitch McConnell praises Trump, reassured about filibuster stability

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated Trump following his presidential election win on Wednesday, complimenting him for “running a sharper operation this time.”

As the current Senate minority leader since 2021, McConnell will conclude his leadership soon. He expressed hopes of passing the baton to his successor with a Senate majority.

“With the incomplete election results, we are confident about maintaining a majority, and it may even expand,” he noted.

McConnell emphasized that one of the most rewarding aspects of Republican control in the Senate is the preservation of the filibuster.

“No new states will be added to gain a partisan edge, and we intend to stop criticizing the Supreme Court whenever we disagree with their verdicts,” he stated. “Thus, having a Republican Senate majority ensures a safeguard against those looking to change the rules for their interests.”

− Sudiksha Kochi

Netanyahu and Zelenskyy discuss matters with Trump

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared that he had a “warm and cordial” discussion with President-elect Trump after his election victory, being one of the first world leaders to do so. They talked about Israel’s security and “the Iranian threat.”

During Trump’s first term, he was recognized for his strong pro-Israel stance, moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a decision contested by the Palestinians who wish to see it as their future capital. Trump’s approach to the ongoing Gaza conflict remains uncertain.

Following Trump’s election win, numerous global leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed their congratulations and well-wishes. Zelensky is keen to learn whether Trump’s administration will reduce U.S. military support for Ukraine or push for a peace agreement with Russia.

“I value President Trump’s commitment to a ‘peace through strength’ policy in international relations,” Zelenskyy remarked. “This principle could significantly advance the quest for genuine peace in Ukraine.”

− Kim Hjelmgaard

Trump makes historic political comeback

Four years ago, Trump was viewed as politically toxic, but now he stands as a president-in-waiting. Emerging from scandals marked by four criminal charges, two impeachments, and a thwarted insurrection, Trump disregarded concerns regarding threats to American democracy and instead leveraged the democratic system for his comeback.

He will become only the second president in history, after Grover Cleveland, to serve nonconsecutive terms.

After losing voter support in 2020 and facing abandonment from many party members following the January 6, 2021 Capitol incident, Trump is on the verge of reclaiming immense power as he prepares to take on the role of commander in chief once more.

Despite predictions of a closely contested election, in the end, Trump managed to secure crucial victories in key states, largely focusing on inflation and immigration issues. While Harris won the majority of the West Coast and Northeast, Trump took states like North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, crossing the 270 electoral vote threshold needed for victory. To read more about the details of Trump’s remarkable comeback, click here.

− Zac Anderson

Implications for Trump’s legal challenges

Trump’s election success may pause or potentially eliminate his four ongoing criminal cases, as per legal analysts. He has indicated intentions to obstruct the efforts of Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith in his two federal cases. The status of two state cases in New York and Georgia is also likely to be impacted.

The postponement will remain in effect until he completes his term in the White House.

“It feels like we are in unexplored territory,” stated Alexander Reinert, a professor at the Cardozo School of Law, regarding the state cases.

Trump mentioned he could dismiss Smith or issue a self-pardon. “It’s incredibly simple − I would fire him in a heartbeat,” Trump revealed to radio host Hugh Hewitt on October 24.

ACLU Plans to Contest Trump’s `mass deportation’ Initiative

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which opposed many of Donald Trump’s contentious policies during his first term, announced on Wednesday that it has a strategy prepared for Trump’s anticipated next term. The ACLU was the first organization in 2017 to challenge Trump’s travel ban from mostly Muslim countries, part of the 434 legal actions it took against his first administration.

This time, Executive Director Anthony D. Romero stated that the ACLU is prepared to counter Trump’s promise of revenge on his opponents and plans for a “mass deportation” of over 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

“We are poised to act as soon as Trump is inaugurated,” Romero stated. “If President-elect Trump targets immigrants, dissenters, and political adversaries, we will confront him legally and through advocacy on the ground.”

Vance, Mother Thrilled After Victory

Vice president-elect JD Vance expressed gratitude to his supporters after he and Trump claimed victory early Wednesday. His mother, Beverly Aikins, returned to Facebook on Wednesday to share in the joy of her son’s success. After witnessing “toxic negativity” from critics in Vance’s hometown of Middletown, where she still resides, she had briefly stepped away from social media.

“Too big to rig,” she wrote. “A popular vote margin of over five million. Two hundred seventy-seven electoral votes and counting. Trump Vance 2024.”

− Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer

Bomb Threats Linked to Russia Did Not Affect Election, Official Claims

Bomb threats believed to be originating from Russia disrupted voting in several key states on Tuesday, but a leading U.S. cybersecurity official stated there was no significant effect on the election or voters’ ability to cast their votes. In a midnight press briefing, Jen Easterly, director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, acknowledged that there were some “minor” disruptions, including evacuations and delays at polling stations.

Easterly and other officials reported that the hoax bomb threats were sent to at least four states and were all classified as “non-credible.”

“The essential point is that this did not hinder voters from casting their ballots or having their votes counted,” Easterly said, praising the election officials on-site in the states. “In the end, they demonstrated remarkable resilience thanks to their advance preparations. … Overall, I would characterize this as a positive outcome for democracy.”

Eight States Vote to Ban Noncitizen Voting

On Tuesday, eight states approved amendments to their constitutions or ballot measures aimed at prohibiting noncitizens from voting, a major objective for Republicans, even though such acts are already illegal under state and federal laws, and studies indicate it rarely occurs. All measures were passed by margins of 2-1 or more. The approved amendments usually involved the simple addition of the word “only” to the existing language about who is eligible to vote.

Key swing states like North Carolina and Wisconsin both adopted these constitutional amendments. Other states included Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.

“It is unlawful for non-citizens to participate in our elections,” stated Michael Whatley, co-chairman of the Republican National Committee, while filing lawsuits against states to block noncitizen voting. “Yet repeatedly, we have seen Democratic officials hinder essential safeguards and weaken election integrity measures, deliberately allowing for non-citizen voting in our elections.”

Research conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice and the Cato Institute, a libertarian organization, shows that noncitizen voting is essentially nonexistent. An audit of Georgia’s voter rolls earlier this year found merely 20 noncitizens out of 8.2 million registered voters.

Center for American Women and Politics: `Progress is not Guaranteed’

The Center for American Women and Politics noted that Harris’ candidacy showcased many of the advantages women have when running for office. She was an outstanding fundraiser and connected effectively with voters on key issues. Her background allowed her to view often-overlooked matters with unique insight, according to the center’s statement on Wednesday.

However, the race also highlighted the obstacles female candidates encounter, particularly the unequal expectations faced by women of color, the center emphasized. Although women have held nearly every political position in America, they still occupy less than one-third of all political seats across all levels and have yet to reach the nation’s highest office.

“Progress is not guaranteed,” the center remarked. “While we have made significant advancements, many challenges remain on the journey toward equality.”

Is Trump Eligible to Run Again in 2028?

Trump has run for president thrice, winning in 2016 and now again in 2024. But can he run for the presidency again in 2028? According to the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, a person cannot serve more than two terms as president.

Every president adhered to a two-term limit until Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected four times from 1932 to 1944. After Roosevelt’s passing in 1945, a movement arose in Congress to restrict presidents to two terms. After various revisions in the Senate, the proposed amendment was passed and sent to the states for ratification, which occurred on February 27, 1951.

− Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer

Why Kamala Harris Lost the Election

Harris’ recent appearance on ABC’s “The View” allowed her to present herself to an audience that might not have been familiar with her background. However, she struggled to articulate how she would differ from President Joe Biden in her approaches. “Nothing readily comes to mind,” the sitting vice president revealed to the hosts.

After Trump’s triumph over Harris, this moment on television highlighted a crucial weakness in Harris’s campaign that led to her downfall—her struggle to distance herself from an unpopular president whose approval ratings have remained around 40% for most of his presidency. Discover more about why her message of being a “new generation of leadership” failed to resonate with the voters.

− Joey Garrison

Which key states did Trump win on Election Day?

Trump was the first to win a swing state called on election night, claiming North Carolina. He also secured wins in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

The former president added to his Republican stronghold wins across the nation, taking states from Texas to Montana and South Carolina. He also maintained a few states that have shifted from swing status to solidly Republican, such as Ohio and Florida.

What states did Harris win on Election Day?

Harris won solidly Democratic states, ranging from California to New York and Illinois. She also easily took several New England states, including Vermont and Massachusetts, along with the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.