Trump or Harris: America decides in knife-edge election

American voters are heading to the polls Tuesday for one of the most intense and closely-watched elections in recent history.

The decision before them could result in either Kamala Harris becoming the first female president in the United States or Donald Trump making a historic return to the White House after his controversial term ended in 2021.

Polling stations across the country opened at 6 a.m. ET (1100 GMT) with a record number of early votes already cast — more than 82 million. With Harris, 60, and Trump, 78, neck-and-neck in crucial swing states like Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia, the final outcome may take days to fully tabulate, especially if the race remains as tight as the polls predict.

The campaign’s closing days saw Harris rallying in Pennsylvania alongside celebrity supporters like Lady Gaga, emphasizing themes of women’s rights and reproductive freedom, while Trump focused on issues of immigration and economic revival, declaring himself the answer to what he called America’s “decline.” Trump, who has faced legal battles and survived assassination attempts, remains a polarizing figure, maintaining his rejection of the 2020 election results and warning he might contest any unfavorable outcome.

This election holds vast implications beyond U.S. borders. A Harris victory would mark a historic moment as she becomes the first Black and South Asian president, signaling an end to Trump’s polarizing era. In contrast, a Trump return would likely unsettle NATO allies and heighten global economic tensions, with Trump advocating for “America First” policies that have previously disrupted international relations. Both domestic and foreign observers anxiously await the outcome, which could reshape U.S. policy on issues from climate change to international security.

As polling day unfolds, the nation remains on edge amid security preparations in Washington, D.C., with fears of unrest if the results are contested. This election will not only decide the next president but could also redefine the course of American politics for years to come.