During her address, Kamala Harris claimed that Donald Trump’s policies would lead to increased prices for essential goods. However, voters noted price tags in stores indicating that costs had risen significantly since Trump’s presidency.

Harris accused Trump of aiming to transform the republic into a fascist regime. Yet, shoppers perceived the Biden-Harris administration as imposing regulatory constraints that raised the prices of natural gas appliances or prohibited their use entirely, thus limiting consumer choice and pushing them towards less favorable electric options. Many voters believed Trump would restore their freedom from these regulations.

In a clear response to Harris’ assertions, voters favored Trump, granting him a decisive win. He secured majorities in all seven swing states and marked the first Republican majority in the nationwide popular vote in two decades. The Republican Party now holds control over the Senate and is poised to regain authority in the House of Representatives.

In light of this unexpected outcome, pollsters are scrambling to explain their miscalculations, and many attorneys looking to challenge the vote are reconsidering their plans for luxury purchases. The governor of California is asking the state legislature to reinforce protections against perceived threats to civil liberties posed by Trump. According to reports, many observers are raising concerns about the state of American democracy, despite over 140 million citizens casting their votes without obstruction.

In her concession speech, Harris exhibited a defiant tone rather than gracefully conceding. She indicated that both she and her party would remain steadfast in their beliefs. Few Democratic members acknowledge that their party’s shift to the left played a role in their defeat, viewing it instead as a rightward movement of the electorate.

The future is uncertain for many, as government employees reacted with dismay to Elon Musk’s announcement of plans to slash $2 trillion from the federal budget, a figure that exceeds the combined budgets of the defense, education, and homeland security departments. Officials at the Federal Reserve are beginning to grasp that Trump’s proposed significant interest rate cuts may create conflicts with inflation control policies.

Internationally, the British Foreign Secretary expressed uncertainty about future engagements with the US under Trump. David Lammy described the incoming president using severe terms, highlighting a potential rift between nations.

Concern spreads among some Americans about potential government mandates if Robert Kennedy Jr. gains comprehensive authority over healthcare policy, as he claims Trump has agreed upon. The implications of these changes remain speculative.

Trump’s significant victory has created a host of beneficiaries:

• Members of the Trump family can breathe easier knowing they may avoid legal troubles. • Oil executives are eager to resume drilling activities under a revitalized economic landscape. • Cryptocurrency holders are exploring luxury purchases. • Communities grappling with immigration issues anticipate policy changes aiding in deportations. • Female athletes may reclaim competitive ground against transgender competitors. • Companies benefiting from tariffs view a more favorable economic climate ahead. • Wealthy individuals are hopeful for reduced tax liabilities. • Various sectors anticipate a resurgence in mergers previously blocked.

The implications of US elections extend beyond the nation’s borders. Global leaders like Volodymyr Zelensky may face new pressures regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty. Binyamin Netanyahu has already discussed Israel’s security concerns with Trump, expecting a more aligned US stance. Xi Jinping will need to reassess dealings with a president who is less predictable. In response, Germany is reconsidering its defense budget amidst fears of a confrontational US leader.

The new administration presents challenges to the global status quo, fueled by a president characterized as unpredictable and potentially less aligned with traditional democratic norms. Concerns about stability and peace are prevalent.

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Irwin Stelzer is a business adviser