Donald Trump is closing in on a return to the White House with projected wins in key states across America. 

With results trickling in from across the country, the Republican candidate is leading in pivotal swing states and the Associated Press has already called North Carolina for him.

The last time North Carolina voted for a Democrat was 2008 - but only by razor thin margins.

Mr Trump has also triumphed in Georgia - a state that voted for Joe Biden in 2020 by the slim margin of 11,779 votes.

Crucially, he is also leading the three Rust Belt states that handed him victory in 2016 - Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.

'I already voted for President Trump'

Kieran went down to Trump Tower to ask people who they would be voting for.@TheHardShoulder with @kierancuddihy is broadcasting live from New York from 4pm. pic.twitter.com/x9FbTPUbmG

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) November 4, 2024

On Newstalk Breakfast, UCD Professor of American Studies Scott Lucas said the results are "almost" the Democrats' worst nightmare.

“As we speak right now, Donald Trump, having won North Carolina and Georgia, only needs Pennsylvania to become President," he said. 

“In fact, I think he’ll win Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan - all of the Blue Wall. 

“The Democrats have also lost control of the Senate… the [Republicans] could have a clear 55 to 45 majority in the Senate.” 

Trump supporters in Florida. Picture by: Newstalk

Control of the House of Representatives is yet to be confirmed and Professor Lucas said the Democrats might win a majority of Congressional seats.

“They could, depending on some results in California, take control of that lower House,” he said. 

“Which would be very significant in checking a Trump Presidency once we talk about 2025.”

Mr Trump is also leading in the popular vote nationwide; except in 2004 when George Bush won re-election, no Republican candidate has won the popular vote this century.

More follows...

Main image: Donald Trump. Picture by: Alamy.com