The early results in the 2024 U.S. presidential election have shown a mix of anticipated outcomes and high voter engagement in swing states.
Donald Trump claimed wins in Florida, Kentucky, and Indiana, while Kamala Harris secured victories in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
Polling stations have closed in crucial battlegrounds like Georgia, where voter turnout appears higher than in the 2020 election, and Trump is reportedly leading with 56% of the votes there so far.
This election has been one of the most polarizing in recent history, with intense debates on issues including democracy, the economy, and immigration.
National security has also been a focal point, with concerns about potential unrest following the divisive campaign.
Security forces are on alert, especially given heightened tensions since the Capitol riot in 2021. Some disruptions, including bomb threats tied to Russian disinformation efforts in Georgia and Michigan, have added to the atmosphere of unease.
Despite Trump’s substantial wins in key states, seven battleground states—Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, and Arizona—are likely to determine the outcome.
Pennsylvania, in particular, could play a decisive role, with its 19 Electoral College votes crucial for Harris’s campaign. With the Electoral College system in play, candidates need 270 out of 538 votes to secure the presidency, adding to the intensity of this year’s race.
This election’s outcome will have significant implications beyond U.S. borders, especially for Europe and NATO, as Trump has previously expressed intent to withdraw from the alliance.
Many European leaders are anxiously awaiting results, as Trump’s potential return to office could bring further instability.