- Trump was re-elected at 78, defeating Kamala Harris who aimed to become the first female president.
- His win raises questions about AGOA, a trade deal crucial for South Africa’s economy which Trump could end.
Donald Trump was all but confirmed as the next president of the United States on Wednesday morning closing in on the 270 electoral votes needed.
While the results are not official, Trump has claimed victory with all the polls suggesting he will win.
At 78, Trump will return to the White House after serving as president from 2017 to 2021.
He lost re-election to Joe Biden, who then chose not to run in this race, allowing his vice president, Kamala Harris, to take his place.
Harris hoped to make history as the first female president but narrowly lost to Trump.
“The task before us will not be easy, but I will bring every ounce of energy, spirit and fighting that I have in my soul to the job that you’ve entrusted to me,” Trump said during a speech before he was confirmed the winner.
“I will govern by a simple model: promises made, promises kept. We’re going to keep our promises. Nothing will stop me from keeping my word.”
This US election is important for South Africa because of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade deal that allows African countries to export goods to the US without extra taxes.
South Africa, the biggest user of this deal, has been able to sell over 1,800 products to the US at lower costs, including cars, helping the local economy grow. But now that Trump is president again, this deal is vulnerable.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: Donald Trump.
Source: Donald Trump/X
