2024 US elections live: Trump elected US president for a second time

This live blog is being actively updated with the latest from the 2024 US elections.

Quick glance

• Donald Trump has won the United States presidential election held on Nov. 5. Multiple sources, including The Associated Press, Fox News and NBC, have declared Trump the winner after he captured key swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina and Georgia, which he had lost in 2020.
• As Donald Trump is set to return to the White House, 247 pro-crypto candidates have been elected to the US House of Representatives, and 15 have been elected to the US Senate so far. 
• The stakes are especially high for the crypto industry as the newly elected lawmakers could shape policy for digital assets, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and their regulatory oversight.

Nov. 6, 12:40 pm UTC

Pro-crypto candidates win election races across America

The 2024 United States elections have seen hundreds of pro-crypto candidates elected as results from across the nation continue to roll in. 

At the time of writing, data from Coinbase’s Stand With Crypto (SWC) website shows pro-crypto officials have been elected across most states. According to the site’s map, only New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Vermont and Maine have yet to elect a pro-crypto candidate. 

Data from SWC indicates that 247 pro-crypto candidates have been elected to the House of Representatives, compared to 113 anti-crypto officials. In the Senate, 15 pro-crypto candidates have been elected, while 10 anti-crypto candidates have secured seats.

Nov. 6, 12:32 pm UTC

Crypto community celebrates Trump’s election victory

The cryptocurrency community is celebrating the victory of former President Donald Trump in the 2024 United States presidential election while officials are finalizing election results. 

Trump, the Republican candidate, declared victory on election night, Nov. 6, pledging to usher in a “golden age” for America.

“I’m excited to be your 47th and your 45th president,” Trump said during what appeared to be a victory speech.

Trump’s win is a promising sign for the cryptocurrency industry in the US, as Trump has repeatedly expressed support of crypto and branded himself as a pro-crypto candidate.

Trump has repeatedly promised to end the war on crypto if elected and promised to make the US the “crypto capital of the planet” if he wins the presidential election.

In July, Trump headlined the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, Tennessee, where he pledged to fire current US Securities and Exchange Chair Gary Gensler on his first day back in office. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, who’s known for her supportive stance on crypto, is believed to be a potential contender to take Gensler’s spot.

Nov. 6, 10:50 am UTC

Trump elected US president for a second time

Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States, securing 277 electoral college votes so far. Kamala Harris trails with 224 votes and has no viable path to victory. Trump also leads the national popular vote with nearly 71 million votes to Harris’ 66 million at the time of writing, according to The Associated Press.

The victory marks a substantial comeback for Trump, who lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden and has since faced multiple legal cases and survived two assassination attempts.

In Trump’s live speech, he stated, “Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason, and that reason was to save our country and to restore America to greatness, and now we are going to fulfill that mission together.”

Nov. 6, 10:05 am UTC

John Deaton reflects on defeat in Massachusetts

Following his loss in the Massachusetts senate race, John Deaton, an attorney known for his involvement in the crypto industry, shared insight into his campaign challenges. 

He spoke of his commitment to positive change, remarking “We show people there’s a difference between fighting against things and fighting for things. Fighting against people and fighting for people.”

Deaton expressed frustration with the state’s political status: “We stood up for the Massachusetts families who are tired of our elected leaders where a system dominated by this hyper-partisanship, a divisive rhetoric.” 

Despite his efforts, Deaton was ultimately unable to overcome support for incumbent Senator Elizabeth Warren, who celebrated her reelection victory by expressing her gratitude to followers on X.

Warren stated that she is “deeply grateful” for voters reelecting her and stated, “Together, we’ll keep up the fight for a government that works for working people.”

Deaton reflected on the nature of the senate election, quoting a card that said that hope has been described as “a small rebellion.”

“Change takes time. Winning over an incumbent who has a lot more money than you is hard enough, but when you have a primary, and then there’s 9 weeks only after that primary for a candidate that doesn’t have a lot of name recognition, it can be an uphill battle — I knew that from the beginning,” he said. 

Nov. 6, 8:15 am UTC

Pro-crypto Zach Nunn wins reelection in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District

Incumbent Republican House member Zach Nunn, a crypto supporter, defeated challenger Lanon Baccam, who did not reveal a stance on crypto issues. 

The Associated Press called Nunn’s victory at 5:18 am UTC on Nov. 6. 

Nunn’s win strengthens crypto’s voice in the House of Representatives. In 2023, Nunn co-introduced a now-approved bill to “ensure the long-term integrity of digital assets.” 

Nov. 6, 8:06 am UTC

Trump declares victory

In a speech to supporters in Florida, Trump promised the next four years would focus on national renewal and unity. He vowed to “turn our country around” and make it “something very special.”

On immigration reform, he pledged to “seal up those borders” while allowing people to enter the country legally.

“We want people to come back in, but we have to let them come back in, but they have to come back in legally.”

Praising Elon Musk, Trump called him “a new star” and highlighted satellite internet provider StarLink’s life-saving impact in North Carolina, describing it as “a communication system that’s very good.” 

Reflecting on the past, he noted that America had “defeated ISIS in record time but we had no wars,” countering claims that he had started conflicts.

“I’m not gonna start a war; I’m gonna stop wars.”

Nov. 6, 7:36 am UTC

Trump projected to win presidency

In an “improbable comeback,” Trump looks set to win the presidency for the second time, according to The Hill and several other sources, by securing the 270 electoral votes needed to win. Trump is also set to win the popular vote.

The Republicans also gained control of the Senate, where they are set to win at least 51 seats, with Democrats losing at least two seats.

In the House of Representatives, Republicans have reached 198 seats, gaining two but still short of the 218 needed for a majority, while Democrats held 177 seats. Still, Republicans are projected to increase their majority in the House.

Likely President-elect Donald Trump gave a speech, saying, “I’m very proud of your vote, I hope that you’re gonna be looking back someday and say that was one of the truly important moments of my life when I voted for this group of people.”

“America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate, we have taken back control of the Senate,” Trump said.

Nov. 6, 5:23 am UTC

Republicans win Senate majority 

The Republican party has secured control of the Senate for the first time in four years after Senator Deb Fischer was reelected in Nebraska, according to the Associated Press.

The new Republican-majority Senate could be crucial for passing the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21) — which would limit the SEC’s jurisdiction over crypto — as it stalled in the Senate Banking Committee after the House passed it in May.

While the next Senate is being voted in, the new Senators won’t take their seats until January 2025, and FIT21 could be passed in the “lame-duck” session — when lawmakers meet after an election but before the start of the new Congress.

The GOP has an edge so far in the House, with 179 to the Democrat’s 150, but there’s a long way to go with 106 seats still to be called.

Nov. 6, 5:12 am UTC

Pro-crypto Bernie Moreno beats Sherrod Brown for Ohio Senate seat

Pro-crypto Republican challenger Bernie Moreno won an Ohio Senate seat from incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown.

The Associated Press called Monero’s victory at 4:27 am UTC on Nov. 6.

Moreno’s win not only adds another pro-crypto voice to the Senate but also removes a powerful crypto-opposing politician who was chair of the Senate Banking Committee — which is key to passing crypto legislation.

Nov. 6, 4:23 am UTC

Trump wins first key swing state of North Carolina as NYT says win “likely”

Donald Trump has won North Carolina, the first of seven key swing states, bringing his total electoral vote count to 230 — 40 shy of the minimum 270 needed to win the election.

The Associated Press called the race with 89% of the votes counted, as Trump won 50.8% of the first 5 million votes cast.

The votes in most other swing states are favoring Trump early, prompting The New York Times to project that he will “likely” win the presidency.

Georgia is the next key swing state that could be called. Trump currently holds a 3% lead over Democrat candidate Kamala Harris with 91% of the votes counted.

At the time of writing, Trump has an edge over Harris in the key battleground states of Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, while Nevada has yet to start its count.

The Times noted Harris — with 205 electoral college votes called to Trump’s 230 — would need to win Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin to get ahead.

Nov. 6, 2:16 am UTC

Elizabeth Warren beats pro-crypto John Deaton in Massachusetts Senate race

Incumbent Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren won Massachusetts’ US Senate race, beating crypto-friendly challenger, Republican John Deaton.

The Associated Press called Warren’s reelection at around 1 am UTC on Nov. 6 as she gained a huge lead with less than 1% of the vote counted. Earlier polls gave her 60% of the vote compared to Deaton’s 37%.

Warren is arguably the most high-profile crypto critic in US politics, and the crypto industry was keen to unseat her. Industry heavyweights like Ripple and crypto exchange Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss spent $2 million backing Deaton’s campaign.

Nov. 5, 21:24 pm UTC

Kamala Harris makes surprise stop at DNC phone bank

Kamala Harris made a surprise stop at a Democratic National Committee phone bank in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 5 to thank volunteers for their efforts to get out the vote. Harris also joined in the action, hopping on the phone to talk to voters.

Earlier in the day, Harris gave radio interviews targeting key battleground states in an effort to influence undecided voters.

Nov. 5, 20:44 pm UTC

FBI addresses bombing threats to polling sites

The FBI issued a statement acknowledging bomb threats to polling locations in several states, with many allegedly traced back to Russian email domains. So far, none of the threats have been deemed credible.

In an interview with NBC, a senior adviser at the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency noted that foreign interference in the 2024 election has been more aggressive than in past cycles.

“When we look at the prior election cycles, it is a greater scope and scale of foreign influence operations” compared to past elections, said Cait Connelly, the senior adviser.

Nov. 5, 20:31 pm UTC

Elon Musk will watch the election results come in with Trump — NYT

According to a Nov. 5 New York Times report, Tesla CEO Elon Musk plans to spend Election Day in Mar-a-Lago with Republican candidate Donald Trump, whom he has endorsed and indirectly supported through million-dollar giveaways to prospective voters. The first polls are scheduled to close at 6:00 pm ET.

Trump has suggested including Musk in his cabinet. The Tesla CEO proposed heading a Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, in the event of a Trump victory.

Nov. 5, 20:06 pm UTC

What to expect on crypto policies depending on US election outcomes

With control of both chambers and the White House essentially up for grabs between Democrats and Republicans, the impact on cryptocurrency and blockchain policies, depending on the outcome of the elections, may be felt for years to come. 

Democrats currently control the Senate in a 51–49 majority, but 34 seats are up for grabs. When polls close on Nov. 5, millions of Americans will have decided who will represent them in 435 congressional districts nationwide. Like the Senate, the House has the authority to move forward with legislation affecting the crypto industry and provide oversight to regulatory bodies like the SEC.

Cointelegraph’s reporter Turner Wright analyzes how the election results could influence crypto’s future.

Nov. 5, 19:14 pm UTC

Trump bet reaches new high on Polymarket as user wagers $18M

A Polymarket user going by “zxgngl” placed a nearly $18 million bet on Donald Trump, with a potential payout of $29.5 million if Trump wins. The wager is the largest bet on Trump on the prediction platform as speculation mounts over the election’s outcome. 

The Trump vs. Harris race has drawn significant interest and hefty wagers from Polymarket’s users, with volume topping over $161 million on Nov. 4.

Nov. 5, 18:38 pm UTC

Election Day: Where are Harris and Trump making their final bids

Kamala Harris is making a final push to influence voters in critical swing states. Harris has been blitzing radio stations across the country, with plans to call into stations in Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Michigan and Arizona throughout the day. She will end the day with an election night watch party at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Trump, meanwhile, is in Florida, where he will host an election night watch party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Both candidates campaigned into the late hours of Nov. 4, hoping to mobilize voters for the historic election. 

If Harris wins, she would become the first woman elected president in the United States, while a Trump victory would make him the second president in US history to serve two nonconsecutive terms.

Nearly 80 million Americans cast early and mail-in ballots. Opinion polls suggest a tight race, with analysts at Deutsche Bank noting it could be among the closest elections in US history.

Nov. 5, 17:58 pm UTC

Voting hours extended in Pennsylvania’s Cambria County after ballot scanning issue

Voting hours have been extended until 10 pm ET in Cambria County, Pennsylvania after a software malfunction disrupted ballot scanning earlier in the day. According to local media reports, the issue led to confusion, long lines at polling stations, and some voters leaving without casting a ballot.

Under the extension, any ballots cast after the original 8 pm closing time will be provisional, requiring additional review time. Cambria County Solicitor Ron Repak said that IT specialists had reviewed the issue and that all completed ballots would be counted.

Pennsylvania is a battleground state, often playing a critical role in determining the outcome of US presidential elections.

Related: Meet the pro-crypto contenders who could replace SEC chief Gary Gensler

Nov. 5, 17:18 pm UTC

Polymarket payouts to be delayed unless Fox, NBC agree on US election winner

Donald Trump maintains a formative lead over Kamala Harris on the Polymarket prediction market, but no matter who wins the election, payouts could be delayed until Jan. 20, 2025, unless the Associated Press, Fox and NBC all agree on a clear winner. 

The prediction market platform has seen a surge in election betting, with volume topping $161 million on Nov. 4. 

According to a disclaimer on the contest’s landing page, Polymarket won’t declare a winner before Inauguration Day unless the media reaches a consensus.

Nov. 5, 16:11 pm UTC

Bitcoin price jumps 3.7% in an hour as US election fever begins

Bitcoin (BTC) jumped up to 3.7% on Nov. 5 as US presidential election volatility hit crypto.

Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView tracked a blitz BTC price move to near $70,300 on Bitstamp.

A subsequent correction saw BTC/USD swiftly return to $69,500, but it was mostly short positions, seeing liquidations as the abrupt surge caught the market by surprise.

Nov. 5, 15:59 pm UTC

FBI warns public about fake videos misleading voters

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned the public about fake videos circulating on X that exploit its name and logo to spread false election information.

In one case, a fake news clip falsely claimed that the FBI had warned Americans to “vote remotely” due to high terror threats at polling stations. According to the FBI, the video is completely false and does not reflect the actual safety at the polls.

In another case, a fabricated video claimed that prison officials in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona had rigged inmate voting in coordination with a political party. The FBI stated that this allegation is also false. The FBI encouraged voters to be cautious of fake stories intended to undermine trust in the election process.

Nov. 5, 14:52 pm UTC

Dixville Notch casts first votes as Election Day begins across the United States

The final day of voting has officially begun across the United States, with polls first opening at midnight in the small town of Dixville Notch, in New Hampshire. Known for its tradition dating back to 1960, Dixville Notch kicked off Election Day by allowing its six registered voters to cast their ballots just after midnight, with results announced minutes later. 

This year, the presidential race in Dixville Notch came to an even split, with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump each receiving three votes. As voting continues along the East Coast and beyond, the first results are expected shortly after 6 pm ET. 

The Associated Press will begin calling presidential, Senate and House races once voting concludes in each state. Polls across the country will wrap up after midnight in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, ending in-person voting for the day.

The outcome of the presidential race will depend on how close the candidates are in each state. In 2020, the tight battle between Joe Biden and Trump delayed the final call until Saturday, four days after Election Day.

Nov. 5, 12:35 pm UTC

Trump win confirmed? Jim Cramer says markets predict Harris win

Television personality Jim Cramer may have indirectly signaled a victory for former United States President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

On Monday, Nov. 4, Cramer reviewed the stock market performance and said that the moves reflect growing investor confidence in a victory for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

“I’m not sure the market’s right about what a Harris presidency would mean for business, but at least now we have a blueprint for what Wall Street thinks it’ll mean.”

Some investors are taking Cramer’s Harris prediction as a sign of a Trump victory due to a phenomenon known as the “inverse Cramer” effect, which sees the opposite outcome of Cramer’s predictions come to pass.

Cramer’s prediction came a day ahead of election day in the US, where cryptocurrency is becoming a political focal point for the first time in history.

In 2022, the inverse Cramer trend led to an exchange-traded fund (ETF) aiming to profit from shorting Cramer’s stock tips. However, the ETF was closed and liquidated after just 10 months, attracting only $2.4 million in investment and returning a negative 15% since its launch — highlighting that Cramer’s predictions are not always wrong.

Nov. 5, 10:49 am UTC

Bitcoin price outlook hinges on 2024 US election outcome — Analysts

Bitcoin could see heightened price volatility following the United States presidential election, but some analysts view this as a positive development for its price trajectory.

As of 8:05 am UTC on election day, Bitcoin (BTC) remains subdued under $69,000.

The current low volatility in Bitcoin’s price indicates cautious market sentiment ahead of the election results, according to analysts at Bitfinex. However, an increase in volatility could contribute to Bitcoin’s price appreciation, Bitfinex analysts said. They noted:

“If the expected volatility fails to materialize, it may indicate a more substantial issue at play and a much deeper correction for BTC on the lower timeframes. In terms of the options market, apathy to price movements often reflects a more bearish sentiment than strong put buying.”

Bitcoin could benefit from a victory by former President Donald Trump, who is generally viewed as a more pro-crypto candidate.

A potential Trump win could pave the way for the next Bitcoin rally, although analysts at Sygnum said this could still happen if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidency. They wrote:

“[Post-election] the market will continue its upward trajectory in anticipation of the positive regulatory and legislative developments in the US once the new president takes office next January. This is likely to be the case irrespective of the election outcome; however, as market sentiment favors a Trump win, the rally may be more pronounced under this scenario.

The Bitcoin price was just $200 shy of logging an all-time high ahead of the election when it rose above $73,600 on Oct. 29, its highest level since March.

Nov. 5, 4:55 am UTC

US Bitcoin ETFs notch second-largest daily outflow on election eve

United States-based spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded their second-biggest day of outflows ever on Monday, Nov. 4, the eve before America headed off to vote.

The 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs had a net outflow of $541.1 million on Monday, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF the only one to see inflows, at $38.4 million, according to data from CoinGlass.

It was the largest outflow day the ETFs have seen apart from from May 1, when they recorded $563.7 million in outflows after Bitcoin fell 10.7% over a week to $60,000.

Bitcoin has declined 4.6% over the last seven days to about $68,000 as traders trim exposure to risk assets like crypto ahead of Nov. 5 with uncertainty around who will win, as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are essentially tied in the polls.

Nov: 4, 9:05 pm UTC

Trump, Harris make final push across battleground states

In the final hours before Election Day, Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump wrapped up months of campaigning with last-minute rallies and events across swing states. 

Harris spent Nov. 4 in Pennsylvania, kicking off her day in Scranton before delivering remarks in Allentown. She also attended rallies and concerts in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia with celebrities. 

Trump focused his final push on three battleground states, making stops in Raleigh, North Carolina; Reading and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. After his last rally, the candidate was expected to return to Palm Beach, Florida, with plans to cast his vote in person in the morning and hold an election-night dinner for top supporters. 

Nov. 4, 6:30 pm UTC

Bitcoin price volatility expected ahead of US elections

Bitcoin’s price saw a sharp 8% correction between Oct. 29 and Nov. 3, briefly dipping to $67,446 over the weekend. Although the higher time frame (HTF) market structure remained bullish, traders were anticipating increased volatility as the US presidential election approaches on Nov. 5.

Related: Crypto funds see $2.2B inflows amid US election hype — CoinShares

Nov. 4, 5:30 pm UTC

Officials warn of possible delays on Election Day

Voters heading to the polls on Nov. 5 should be prepared for possible hiccups, state election officials warned.

According to a joint statement from the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED) and the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), Americans could face late-opening polling sites, lines during peak hours and potential power outages.

Officials also noted that election night results are preliminary, as official counts will include all ballots — those cast in person, by mail and by military and overseas voters — in the days and weeks following. Close races may require recounts or audits to confirm accuracy, they said, in urging the public to be patient.

Nov. 4, 4:55 pm UTC

ICYMI: Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris on crypto regulations

Crypto regulation has emerged as a key issue in the 2024 US elections, prompting presidential candidates to share their views on digital assets. 

Donald Trump, once skeptical of crypto, now positions himself as a strong advocate. He has voiced support for making the US the “crypto capital of the planet” while criticizing the prospect of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). His campaign has even accepted crypto donations, signaling alignment with pro-crypto voters.

On the other hand, Kamala Harris finally broke her silence on crypto during a Wall Street fundraiser in September, marking her first public statement about the industry. She promised a “safe business environment with consistent and transparent rules of the road” for emerging tech industries such as artificial intelligence and digital assets.  

Since her nomination, her advisers have approached major crypto companies to discuss industry-friendly rules, indicating a willingness to engage with crypto leaders.

While Congress will play a crucial role in shaping regulatory clarity for digital assets, the White House is expected to set the tone for how federal agencies approach the industry.

Find out more about Trump’s and Harris’s views on crypto regulation

Related: Stablecoins and the dollar: Allies or adversaries in the new financial era?

Nov. 4, 4:42 pm UTC

Crypto whales bet big on Trump win ahead of US election

A few mysterious entities are controlling the majority of “Yes” votes for Donald Trump on the decentralized prediction market Polymarket, as millions are wagered on the Nov. 5 election. Five large investors, or “whales,” hold over 50% of Trump shares, potentially earning them a combined payout of over $81 million if he wins.

Nov. 4, 4:30 pm UTC

When will we know the winner? Here’s what to expect

It’s unlikely that Americans will know the winner of the presidential race on the night of Nov. 5, as tight races in key swing states may delay the final result by several days. In 2020, for instance, Joe Biden’s victory wasn’t announced until four days after the election. 

Seven states are considered battlegrounds this year: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. These states are expected to have close margins, which could delay the final count. 

Analysts expect results for this year to come out earlier than in 2020, when the pandemic hampered voting and counting ballots.

Related: Pennsylvania, Wisconsin drive surge in crypto interest among swing states

Nov. 4, 4:10 pm UTC

Crypto voters guide to congressional legislation for the 2024 election

Digital assets have taken center stage as a political issue in the current election. Industry leaders and advocates are pressuring politicians to commit to policies that promote growth and provide clarity about digital assets. 

Cointelegraph’s reporter Vince Quill has compiled key pieces of legislation currently up for consideration.

Nov. 4, 4:05 pm UTC

US election vs. Fed rate cut — 5 things to know in Bitcoin this week

Bitcoin (BTC) heads into US Presidential Election week with its own battle for $69,000, with macroeconomic events and network fundamentals likely adding volatility to crypto markets.

The cryptocurrency price was trading north of $68,200 to start the week.

Nov. 4, 4:00 pm UTC

Trump and Harris wrap up campaign ahead of Election Day

The 2024 US elections are underway, with millions of Americans already casting their ballots through early voting. This year’s election could lead to major policy shifts, with all 435 seats in the House and 34 Senate seats on the line, alongside the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. 

Key issues like the economy, immigration and crypto regulation are in the spotlight, making this election especially significant for the future of digital finance and innovation.

2024 US Presidential Election: Latest News and Full Coverage