On Thursday, President Joe Biden delivered an address to the nation, emphasizing his commitment to a seamless transition of power after the recent election, in which President-elect Donald Trump secured victory, prompting Biden’s vice president to suspend her campaign.

“In a democracy, the will of the people always prevails,” Biden stated. “I congratulated President-elect Trump on his victory in a call yesterday, and I promised him that my administration would fully cooperate with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. That’s the right thing for the American people.”

Vice President Kamala Harris had conceded a day prior, having secured the Democratic nomination after Biden withdrew from the race in July due to concerns about his mental fitness.

Also on Thursday, Trump’s campaign announced that Biden had extended an invitation for a meeting at the White House, with the timing yet to be determined. The White House had previously indicated that Biden would attend the inauguration of his successor in January, irrespective of who that individual might be.

“This president is dedicated to ensuring a peaceful transfer of power, and you will see him enact that commitment,” stated spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre.

On Wednesday, Harris called Trump to formally concede the presidential election and delivered her concession speech to supporters at Howard University, her alma mater.

“While I am conceding this election, I am not conceding the ongoing fight that motivated this campaign,” Harris declared. “We will continue this effort through voting, legal channels, and public advocacy, and in our everyday interactions by treating one another with kindness and respect.”

GOP and Democrats Aim for House Majority

As results of key U.S. House races were tallied on Thursday, both political parties remained hopeful of capturing control of the chamber for 2025, marking a pivotal chance for the Democrats following Trump’s early Wednesday win as Republicans took the Senate majority.

A total of 218 seats is required for a majority in the House. Although neither party had achieved this number by early Thursday, initial results seemed to give an advantage to the Republicans.

In the morning, the Associated Press reported that Democratic Rep. Val Hoyle, a freshman congresswoman from western Oregon, won reelection against Republican Monique DeSpain, an Air Force veteran. Hoyle had taken over from longtime Democratic Rep. Peter DeFazio in 2022.

According to the Associated Press, Democrats held 192 seats while Republicans claimed 206. More than twenty races were still pending as of early Thursday.

You can stay updated on the latest election results from coast to coast and find state-specific race information here. Keep an eye on live coverage from across the YSL News Network.

Defense Secretary Austin Affirms Military’s Political Neutrality

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated the Pentagon is prepared for a smooth transition to a Trump administration and will follow all lawful orders. Austin, who was appointed by Biden, will remain in his role until Trump appoints and the Senate confirms a new secretary.

During his campaign, Trump suggested he faced “an enemy from within,” targeting certain Democratic leaders.

In a memo to military personnel released on Thursday, Austin assured that the military would “remain separate from the political process; uphold our principles and professionalism; and stand united with our cherished allies and partners who secure our safety.”

Expected Role of JD Vance in Trump’s Administration

President-elect Donald Trump has yet to clarify how his second term will function, but Vice President-elect JD Vance seems to have at least two positions secured: as a supporter and spokesperson.

“He’s quite a spirited guy, isn’t he?” Trump remarked about his 40-year-old running mate during his victory speech on Wednesday.

After receiving the vice presidential nomination, Vance energetically participated as Trump’s advocate while campaigning in key swing states. He maintained a combative presence on social media and publicly criticized Harris, mirroring a previous remark by Biden. Additionally, Vance conducted more media interviews than anyone else on the ticket, with a total of 152, according to his campaign, and transformed press conferences into lively segments of his rallies.

“I know the president wants me involved in everything, and I certainly look forward to that,” he conveyed to YSL News in September.

− David Jackson and Haley BeMiller

Trump and GOP’s Potential Full Control of Power

With Republicans winning the White House and Senate, they are also on track to maintain their House majority. If this occurs, voters might wonder what to expect from a unified Republican governance.

As swift appointments and immediate legislative priorities are anticipated.

With Trump in charge of selecting his Cabinet and pursuing significant policy changes, Republicans in Congress are expected to leverage their influence to push Trump’s agenda, facing minimal opposition from the Democratic minority. Key areas of focus for Trump include tightening immigration controls and reducing regulations that affect housing construction and energy production.

− Riley Beggin

Sen. Bernie Sanders claims Dems have ‘neglected working-class Americans’

Sen. Bernie Sanders is holding the Democratic Party accountable following Harris’s defeat against Trump and the Republicans taking control of the Senate. In a statement on social media, the Vermont senator noted that party leaders need to engage in “serious political conversations” regarding why Latino and Black voters supported Republican candidates.

“It’s no surprise that a Democratic Party which has forsaken the working class would see that very group turn away from them,” Sanders stated. “While the Democratic leadership sticks to the existing situation, the American people are frustrated and demand change. And they’re justified in doing so.”

At 83, Sanders, who identifies as an independent but often partners with Democrats, successfully secured a fourth term in the Senate, defeating Republican opponent Gerald Malloy. He joined the Senate in 2007 after serving in the U.S. House since 1991. Sanders made unsuccessful bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020.

− Anthony Robledo

Which crucial states did Trump win during the Election?

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

The former president achieved wins in traditionally Republican strongholds across the nation, from Texas to Montana and South Carolina. Additionally, he took states that were once swing states but have shifted more towards the right over recent years, including Ohio and Florida.

− Marina Pitofsky

What states did Harris secure on Election Day?

Harris won solidly Democratic states, including California, New York, and Illinois. She also easily claimed several New England states such as Vermont and Massachusetts, along with Washington, D.C.

− Marina Pitofsky