By Shannon Golden
BU News Service
NEW YORK CITY- Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States early Wednesday morning after capturing Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes. The president-elect gave his acceptance speech at Trump headquarters at the Hilton Midtown shortly after he received a phone call from Hillary Clinton conceding the election.
Trump, who had never run for public office, captured the most powerful position in the land in one of the biggest upsets seen in politics in recent years. It wasn’t until 2:30 a.m. when the Associated Press, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post declared Trump as the president-elect.
Before the official announcement was made Trump supporters were celebrating a victory as early as 11:30 Tuesday night.
“We did it,” said a Trump supporter when Florida was announced as a Trump victory. “I really didn’t think we could do it.”
When the reality of a Trump victory became inevitable throughout the night, there came an increase in supporters and protesters outside of headquarters. Supporters on the street were were joined by numerous cars driving down the Avenues of Americas waving American Flags and holding out Trump/ Pence signs.
Trump supporters in a sea of red hats filled the sidewalks of 6th Avenue waving Trump flags and chanting “lock her up” and “build the wall.” Along with Trump supporters was the presence of protesters marching down the street yelling, “Trump has got to go.”
With the groups of supporters and protesters crowding the sidewalks police were working to keep the sidewalks moving to discourage stand-stills and any confrontation. Throughout the day, police presence was extremely heavy surrounding Trump Tower and headquarters at the Hilton Midtown.
During his acceptance speech Trump told the American people that he plans to be a president for all Americans and said that “it’s a time for America to bind the wounds of division.”
While outside of headquarters there was division, the main theme of Trump’s acceptance speech was unity and bringing the country together. After one of the most polarizing elections in history, Donald Trump starts his journey as president with the idea of coming together as Americans.
For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, of which there were a few people, I am reaching out to you,” Trump said. “It is time for us to come together as one united people. It’s time.”
