Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 United States Presidential Election has sparked a range of emotions in Monaco. From elation to shock, Monaco Life was there to gauge the reaction from both sides of the political spectrum.
On Wednesday 6th November, Donald Trump emerged victorious in what was one of the most tumultuous and competitive election seasons in history, a time that included two assassination attempts targeting Trump and a shift to a new Democratic nominee just a month before the party’s convention.
Securing the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency, Trump has now secured his position as the 47th President of the United States, making him the first former President to return to the White House since 1892.
Monaco Life’s Niki Borisova was on the ground at the Wednesday morning election results reveal event at Marius Monaco, organised by the Monaco USA association, to gauge the mood and gather opinions from those following this crucial election.
With Trump taking a clear lead, those who had gathered early Wednesday were either celebrating or commiserating over the outcome. Winning on a platform that included plans to initiate the largest deportation operation in US history, direct the Justice Department to target political adversaries, significantly increase the use of tariffs to boost the economy, and reinstate a zero-sum foreign policy approach that could disrupt long-established alliances, including the NATO agreement, reactions this morning unsurprisingly ranged from optimism to disappointment.
“I feel happy today as I think this is a testament to what Americans want: we want closed borders, inflation down, we want to get out of the wars…. We want to get back to the basic rules of civility,” Pamela told Monaco Life.
Another attendee, Merrily, an American who has lived in Monaco for 40 years, voiced a different sentiment: “I am stunned today. I am worried for Europe and the United States. My hopes to see a progressive future have been shattered.”
Lisa revealed a similar opinion, stating, “I am sad for my fellow Americans. All I can say is that I am scared. Trump talks about what he is going to do to people, whereas Kamala talked about what she will do for people. It’s a sombre day for us all.”
Alejandra expressed an optimistic view, telling Monaco Life, “America is a very strong country, you need someone who people respect. The people have spoken, so today is a celebration.”
One surprising aspect of Trump’s presidential victory was his success in securing the younger male and hispanic male votes.
“Trump brings the leadership and vision that America needs right now,” a male attendee told Monaco Life. “With his policies, I believe he’ll be able to steer the country back to its roots of economic growth and global strength.”
It was a markedly lighter mood on Tuesday night at La Rascasse, where the Monaco USA association had organised a US Presidential Election Night event, featuring an interactive voting box where guests could cast their own “votes” for president. It was Kamala Harris who claimed victory in that informal poll.
“One of the biggest privileges of being American is that our vote is our business,” Annette Anderson, Executive Director of the Monaco USA assocation, told Monaco Life.
As the future of Trump was secured, world and political leaders began to congratulate the 77-year-old on his win.
“I warmly congratulate Donald J. Trump,” shared Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on social media. “The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens. Let us work together on a transatlantic partnership that continues to deliver for our citizens.”
Written by Niki Borisova with contribution by Cassandra Tanti
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