Donald Trump Thanks Voters for Electing Him, Says 'Nobody Expected That. Look at All Those Victories'

Mar. 15, 2025

Donald Trump speaks at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 06, 2024.Photo:Joe Raedle/Getty

Joe Raedle/Getty

Donald Trumpaddressed the public in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Nov. 6.

Speaking at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida, Trump, 78, claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election, shortly before it was confirmed that he’d won thekey state of Pennsylvania.

“Look at all those victories. Nobody expected that, nobody. So I just wanted to thank you very much for that,” Trump said in his speech after he had alsowon the swing state of Georgia.

In doing so he became the first convicted felon elected to serve in the White House and only the second-ever president to serve two non-consecutive terms, following in the 19th century footsteps of Grover Cleveland.

Donald Trump kisses former first lady Melania Trump as he arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on November 06, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Chip Somodevilla/Getty

“He is a feisty guy, isn’t he?" Trump told his cheering supporters.

Donald Trump and J.D. Vance during a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan.Anna Moneymaker/Getty

Anna Moneymaker/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6 Trump defeated Vice PresidentKamala Harristo become theoldest person to take the oath of officeat 78 years old.

Trump won the presidency after he first defeated his top GOP primary challenger,Nikki Haley, in early 2024 before going up againstJoe Biden, who eventuallywithdrew his reelection bidafter facing pressure in July fromhigh-ranking Democratsandnotable public figures. This paved the way for Trump and Harris to face off in the presidential elections.

A photo of Trump and Harris during the campaign trail.ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty; Chip Somodevilla/Getty

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty; Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Amid his campaign, he was hit withfour criminal cases, relating to hishandling of classified documents,falsifying of business recordsandefforts to overturn the 2020 election, and multiple civil lawsuits. In May, he was found guilty of 34 felony charges for attempting to bury evidence of an illegal conspiracy to influence the 2016 election.

source: people.com