As the extent of Trump's victory began to sink in - including clear dominance not only in the electoral college but also probably in the popular vote, with at least 71m votes, and control of the US Senate - there were expressions of jubilation among the former reality TV star's supporters.
On the other side of America's ever more gaping partisan divide, confusion and foreboding reigned.
"This is going to be glorious," said Trump's eldest son, Don Jr, summing up the Maga mood on X, the social media platform owned by the billionaire Elon Musk, who played an outsized role in Trump's success.
Democratic and progressive Americans, at least 67 million of whom voted for the Democratic candidate and vice-president, Kamala Harris, struggled to come to terms with the overnight reality.
They were confronted with the fact that Trump's pitch to the American people, built on his dark and lie-packed vision of a country in decline, "swamped" by murdering "illegal aliens", and on the point of a communist takeover, had prevailed.
Van Jones, a political commentator, talked for many when he said people had been waking up "in a nightmare. But we will find a way through."
Trump made little attempt to assuage the fears of those who did not vote for him when he gave a victory speech in West Palm Beach, Florida at 2.30am three hours before the Associated Press officially called the result. He talked of creating a "strong, safe and prosperous America", but also said that he was going to "seal up those borders", and referred to the media as the "enemy camp".
Harris staged a watch party at her alma mater in Washington DC, Howard University, on election night but failed to address the crowd after the prevailing winds of the election became irrefutable.
She gave an address to the nation from the same location yesterday afternoon, saying: "The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for.
This story is from the November 07, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 07, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'I was never cool' Guardiola denies his six-finger sign shows he is losing grip
Pep Guardiola has denied that raising six fingers during Manchester City's defeat at Liverpool on Sunday shows he is losing his cool in the manner José Mourinho did when showing three digits during his time in charge of Manchester United.
Amorim gives United stark warning of 'tough times'
Ruben Amorim has warned his Manchester United players \"the storm will come,\" and there will be difficult times ahead despite a promising start to his tenure, as his team prepare to face Arsenal.
Ødegaard the inspiration for Arsenal's uplift, admits Arteta
Mikel Arteta believes Martin Ødegaard's influence has been instrumental in Arsenal's return to form as they attempt to haul back Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Clinical Mateta proves the difference to ease pressure for Palace
Perhaps the alarm bells can ring a little less loudly for Crystal Palace.
Daka decks the halls to give Van Nistelrooy opening win
As one manager celebrated his first game in charge, another may have endured his last. Ruud Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a fortuitous but hard-earned victory as he could luxuriate in seeing Leicester move four points clear of the relegation zone but Julen Lopetegui must be fearing for the worst.
Guéhi could be hit by FA charge over message on armband
Marc Guéhi is likely to face punishment from the Football Association after the Crystal Palace captain wrote \"Jesus loves you\" on his rainbow armband in the game against Ipswich.
Slot warns his Liverpool team not to rest on their laurels
Arne Slot believes Liverpool's imperious form has made them a bigger target for Premier League rivals and that trips to Newcastle and Everton could be more problematic than the statement wins against Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Scotland out in the cold after playoff defeat
Scotland face a bleak winter after their hopes of qualification for the European Championship in Switzerland next summer were extinguished in a frozen Helsinki.
Cain enables clinical Wales to write names in history
Wales made history in Dublin last night as they qualified for the first major tournament in their nation's history.
Clinton delivers early to give experimental England edge
An experimental England side recorded a slender win over next summer's European Championship hosts Switzerland as Sarina Wiegman gave youth a chance to impress in the Lionesses' last friendly for at least six months.
