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

ByKatherine Faulders ABCNews logo
Nov 06, 2024, 10:43 PM GMT

Trump 'looks forward' to meeting with Biden

In a phone call Wednesday, President Joe Biden congratulated former President Donald Trump and invited him to the White House "to ensure a smooth transition" between the two administrations, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said.

"President Trump looks forward to the meeting, which will take place shortly, and very much appreciated the call," Cheung said.

It is not yet clear when the meeting will take place.

ABCNews logo
Nov 06, 2024, 10:24 PM GMT

Barack and Michelle Obama address the election results

In a statement Wednesday evening, former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama congratulated former President Donald Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance on their election victory.

"This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues," they wrote. "But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view won't always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power."

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are seen during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago.
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are seen during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago.

The Obamas said they "could not be prouder" of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who they lauded as "two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign."

"In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won't always see eye-to-eye on everything. But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace -- even to people with whom we deeply disagree," the statement read. "That's how we've come this far, and it's how we'll keep building a country that is more fair and more just, more equal and more free."

ByJay O'Brien and Arthur Jones II ABCNews logo
Nov 06, 2024, 10:20 PM GMT

Jan. 6 rioters celebrate Trump victory from behind bars

Jan. 6 rioters watched the election returns from behind bars, several of their family members told ABC News.

Rioters are seen at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Rioters are seen at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.

Families of the incarcerated rioters watched together -- and rejoiced -- in at least one gathering in Washington, D.C.

The inmates feel "vindicated," one family member said, and many are eagerly awaiting promised pardons from former President Donald Trump.

Also watching the results Tuesday night were police officers, 140 of whom were injured by rioters on Jan. 6.

"America, it feels like you've forgotten me and so many others, but somehow I still love and am glad to have served you," retired Officer Winston Pingeon wrote Wednesday morning in a post on X.

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Nov 06, 2024, 10:08 PM GMT

California 'will seek to work with the incoming president,' governor says

In a statement released moments after Vice President Kamala Harris' concession speech, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state would "seek to work with" former President Donald Trump.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.

"California will seek to work with the incoming president -- but let there be no mistake, we intend to stand with states across our nation to defend our Constitution and uphold the rule of law," Newsom said.

Newsom applauded Harris, who he said "set out to fight to defend our fundamental freedoms and build a country that works for everyone."

"She stood up for working families, decency, and opportunity," he said. "Though this is not the outcome we wanted, our fight for freedom and opportunity endures."