If anything we’d say this about the US Presidential elections and the populist sentiment that saw Donald Trump announced as President-elect this November morning: it was straight out of a Hollywood movie script, a classic case of the underdog winning against all odds. Till moments before the results started trickling in, mainstream media was predicting a relatively easy win for Hillary Clinton. The campaign, as Trump acknowledged in his victory speech, was long and hard-fought. He started his speech with thanking his opponent: “Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time, and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country. I mean that very sincerely.” There has never been a time as divisive and polarizing as it was these past few months. However at the end of the day, November 8^th, the people of the US have spoken and chosen a man who they think best represents their vision of the country. The GOP also secured a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Not surprisingly the Republicans who had earlier managed a distance from shocking campaign spearheaded by Trump, rushed in with their support and praise for their Party nominee securing them the Presidency and a resounding majority in both houses.

Trump as President-elect

While the world is still in shock over this upset, Trump’s demeanor while delivering the speech was surprisingly subdued. Addressing his supporters, and amidst cheers punctuating his victory speech, Trump said he would be the President for “all Americans”.

“Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division; have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. It’s time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me. For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, of which there were a few people. . .. I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help so that we can work together and unify our great country.”

Not our President

In Hillary Clinton’s camp, the mood was somber, and of disbelief. Clinton as POTUS appeared to be a certainty till November 7^th; the Obamas had campaigned for her, and celebrities, ranging from Beyoncé to Madonna and Miley Cyrus, had all supported her. While Trump shot ahead in the race due to winning key states, Clinton received more votes across the country. In California, protests against a Trump presidency started soon after the Presisent-elect gave his victory speech. An estimated 2000 people merged into one massive protest at UCLA disavowing Trump. The crowd did manifest some elements of violence and vandalism, but in general the mood was that of sadness and anger. Oregan and Washington also saw pockets of unrest after the results were announced. There were also news of the Canadian immigration website crashing as it appeared that Trump had secured his way to the White House. Media celebrities had said they would move away from the US should a Trump Presidency become real, some of them indicated that Canada would be their new home. These included Neve Campbell from House of Cards, Keegan-Michael Key star of Key & Peele, Chloë Sevigny who said she'd move to Nova Scotia, Barbra Streisand who was undecided between Canada and Australia, Raven-Symoné from The View, Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston, Lena Dunham from Girls. 

World markets react to Trump Presidency

Gold prices have seen a surge after the US Elections results, and world markets, already uncertain at the prospect of a Trump Presidency. Dow futures had plummeted by more than 900 points last night and the Mexican peso had tanked after the results. However most of the shock had abated by Wednesday morning as US markets opened to a steady day of trading despite the tumultuous results of the night. In Asia, where the trading day had already begun when election results were declared, markets closed on lows. Japan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea and Australia all saw traders’ nervousness in as money flowed into safe havens tocks, gold and currencies, including the yen. Meanwhile London and most of Europe markets buoyed up after an initial dip in trading, setting the tone for the US markets, defying fears of a slump and turning positive particularly after Clinton urged the country to have an ‘open mind’ and give Trump a chance to lead in her concession speech.