Aussies and American expats react to US vote count as Donald Trump wins second term as president
Australian election observers were glued to their screens as Donald Trump claimed a remarkable return to the US presidency.
Just after 6pm AEDT on Wednesday, the outspoken Republican took to the stage to announce victory over Democratic opponent Kamala Harris.
American expats and Australian political junkies had previously watched Americans cast their votes from the other side of the world.
As the first polls closed on the US east coast, crowds began pouring into a Sydney watering hole in the late morning.
Maggie Donahue arrived early at the Kent Street Hotel and scored a prime spot near a screen tuned to CNN.
Ms Donahue, who worked for the US government for six years under the Trump and Biden administrations, was cautiously hopeful of a Harris win.
“I was in a federal government building on January 6, 2021,” she said, referring to the date a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Democrats Abroad Australia committee member Amy Saha said she was also quietly “but absolutely optimistic”.
Amy Saha had hoped for a Kamala Harris win
Emotions ran high as viewers watched live coverage of the US election at Sydney’s Kent Street Hotel
Ms Saha wore a star-spangled top hat and attendees were able to take photos with a cardboard cutout of Ms Harris at the Sydney event.
The pub served American brand beers and food including bagels and Buffalo wings, while the steak included a side of ‘Freedom fries’.
Ben, who declined to give his surname, shared a bucket of Coors at the back of the Sydney pub and said the beers were “good” but not the main point of attendance.
“We come here to support our president… it’s a Trump victory, unless of course they rig it,” he said.
Dean Thorby, across the table, said the Republican candidate’s hesitation on abortion could cost him women’s votes, but he still expected a Trump victory.
“Just because he’s much more populist, she’s much more of a drone,” he said.
Dismayed American expats and Australian political junkies are contemplating a second term for Donald Trump as US president
Hundreds gathered at Sydney’s Kent Street Hotel to watch the live election coverage
In Melbourne, more than fifty people attended an American Chamber of Commerce viewing party.
The room at the Hawthorn Hotel was abuzz at 3pm as the election picture began to become clearer.
Melbourne resident Gavin, who has US business interests and did not want his surname published, said the results in swing states went against Trump.
“I haven’t seen Harris change state yet,” the septuagenarian said, beer in hand.
Brisbane-based management consultant Emilia Gallo, who has worked for US companies in Asia and was firmly in the Harris camp, commented on the implications of both outcomes.
“It will make us think ‘oh my God, what the hell is going on’ or ‘Thank God they’ve come to their senses,’” she said.
Trump supporters were also among the crowd glued to the TV screens at the Kent Street Hotel
A cardboard cutout of Democratic presidential candidate, US Vice President Kamala Harris, is seen as people gather to watch live coverage of the US election at the Kent Street Hotel