Election 2024 updates: Trump begins selecting cabinet positions

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Last updated: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 5:26PM GMT
Trump's cabinet picks include close allies from his campaign
President-elect Donald Trump is naming members to his administration. Here's a look at the president-elect's appointees so far.

Just days after former President Donald Trump was projected to have won the presidency, Trump's transition team operation has begun, with transition co-chairs confirming that he will be selecting personnel to serve under his leadership in the coming days.

Trump is also the projected winner in Arizona, a state the former president flipped after losing it to Joe Biden in 2020.

Trump's projected win in the vital swing state marks a sweep of the battleground states.

ABCNews logo
Nov 06, 2024, 8:59 AM

Track electoral vote count and results map for the presidential election

See how the balance of power is playing out as election results come in:

MORE | 2024 election: Track electoral vote count and results map for the presidential election

ByLalee Ibssa, Soo Rin Kim and Kelsey Walsh ABCNews logo
Nov 06, 2024, 11:38 PM GMT

Melania says Trump presidency will 'safeguard the heart of our republic'

In a statement following former President Donald Trump's electoral victory, former and future first lady Melania Trump released a statement saying Trump's presidency will "safeguard the heart of our republic," which she called "an important responsibility."

"I anticipate the citizens of our nation rejoining in commitment to each other and rising above ideology for the sake of individual liberty, economic prosperity, and security," she wrote in a post on X.

Former President Donald Trump dances as former first lady Melania Trump watches during an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Former President Donald Trump dances as former first lady Melania Trump watches during an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla.
ByMichelle Stoddart ABCNews logo
Nov 06, 2024, 11:34 PM GMT

Biden praises Harris after concession speech

In a statement Wednesday night, President Joe Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris after her concession speech, calling her a "tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character."

"Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what's possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans," Biden said.

Biden said that choosing Harris to be running mate was "the best decision" he made.

"Her story represents the best of America's story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she'll continue writing that story," Biden said.

"She will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy. She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Above all, she will continue to be a leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America's future," Biden added.

ByIsabella Murray ABCNews logo
Nov 06, 2024, 11:32 PM GMT

Walz to travel back to Minnesota

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will travel back to his home state tonight, according to a campaign official.

The Democratic vice presidential nominee appeared emotional during Vice President Kamala Harris' concession speech Wednesday at Howard University.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz listens as Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, Nov. 6, 2024, at Howard University in Washington.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz listens as Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, Nov. 6, 2024, at Howard University in Washington.

"Governor Walz and the Walz family, I know your service to our nation will continue," Harris said in her remarks.

Walz's daughter, Hope, who has accompanied him on most of his campaign travel these past 107 days, was also emotional during the speech, wearing sunglasses.

ABCNews logo
Nov 06, 2024, 10:57 PM GMT

Ukraine's Zelenskyy congratulates Trump on 'landslide' election victory

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with former President Donald Trump on Wednesday and "congratulated him on his historic landslide victory."

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in New York.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in New York.

"His tremendous campaign made this result possible. I praised his family and team for their great work," Zelenskyy said.

"We agreed to maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation," Zelenskyy continued. "Strong and unwavering U.S. leadership is vital for the world and for a just peace."