America holds its breath as millions cast their votes for Donald Trump and Kamala Harris

America holds its breath tonight as millions of voters cast their ballots in the most fiercely contested elections in recent history.

The battle between and rival Kamala Harris has torn the States apart for the past four months after ailing stepped aside. The race to decide the next president is far from over. Here in Palm Beach, Florida, at Trump's opulent Mar-a-Lago estate, the scene felt worlds away from the often chaotic lines and bustling polling places that marked Election Day across the country.

We joined the former president as he voted at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Centre with his wife, Melania. When he arrived, he said he was "very honoured" to learn of the turnout and added that he had been told the early signs were in his favour.

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He then said he was "very confident" he would win the election and that "it won't even be close" while expressing frustration that the results may take a while to be called. "I feel very confident," Trump said. "I hear we're doing very well everywhere." He added that this was the "best" of his three campaigns.

"It won't even be close," Trump added. "But it's gonna take a long time to certify." Trump continued complaining about the time it would take to count the results, given that "they spent all this money on machines."

The former president has repeatedly used the long wait time in tallying mail-in ballots to sow doubt about the integrity of the election. Pressed on whether he might concede if he loses, he said, "If I lose an election, if it's a fair election, I'm going to be the first one to acknowledge it, and I think it's - well, so far, I think it's been fair."

Asked if he expected this would be his last campaign regardless of the outcome, Trump said, "Yeah, I would think so." But loyalties are far from unanimous in Palm Beach, his adopted home - a place where billionaires and politics blend seamlessly.

One voter told me that "for as many friends he has here, he has an enemy too. Let's just say the only consolation for some of us if Trump wins is that we won't be seeing him around here as much," the man said.

As voting continued, the streets were unusually quiet, as many houses displayed red, white, and blue flags.b Occasional campaign signs, though, revealed the divides lurking beneath the surface of this affluent community. For Trump's loyal supporters, the gilded gates of Mar-a-Lago represent a fortress of conservatism and tradition.

However, for others in Palm Beach, he is as divisive here as he was in Washington, an icon with devoted followers but just as many detractors. He arrived back at Mar-a-Lago tonight under the cover of darkness after campaigning until 2am in Michigan. He was ensconced in his mansion along with Elon Musk.

The two planned to spend election night together, giving Trump direct access to the billionaire controlling X - one of the key information platforms on what could be a chaotic evening. However, despite Mar-a-Lago's exclusivity and Trump's loyal following, Palm Beach reflects America's political rift.

Just a short drive from his home's gilded halls, residents were heading to local polling stations, some determined to vote for Trump. But not everyone is on the same page in this wealthy enclave, where politics and privilege mix freely. Palm Beach is home to financiers, retired CEOs, and high-powered attorneys, many of whom have supported Trump's policies.

However, just as many locals, often drawn by this exclusive island's cosmopolitan atmosphere and global influence, feel his divisive brand of leadership does not belong here. "This election has turned friends into rivals," said local Carol Waslin, who proudly wore a 'Harris-Walz' pin.

"There's a lot of support for Trump here, sure, but there's just as much for the other side. This election has a clear divide here." Linda Haines, a retired businesswoman and former Republican, cast her vote for Harris. "Palm Beach is known for its unity, its elegance," she said outside the polling station.

"But Trump has divided people, here and across America. He may be a local here now, but that doesn't mean we all want him back in the White House." However, Nick Breeding, a PR specialist, told the that the only thing he disliked about Trump was that "he couldn't be in power for longer than four more years."

"I cannot bear to think about a Harris presidency," he added. "Donald Trump has to win. He just has to." Long lines were seen in the early hours in New York City to late afternoon in Los Angeles as voters turned out in what many believe could be a record-breaking election.

Early voting had already seen high numbers as crowds filled polling stations, many waiting hours to have their voices heard.

In Pennsylvania, where both campaigns focused their efforts, the lines snaked around blocks. Voters in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and across suburban counties stood patiently, braving chilled , each one aware of the state's pivotal role.

"This election is about the country's future," said Dana Myers, a teacher voting in suburban Philadelphia. "I'm here to stand for what I believe in, no matter how long it takes."

Texas, often considered a Republican stronghold, saw crowds packing polling stations in Austin, Houston, and Dallas.

Harris's campaign had invested heavily in the state, hoping to make inroads with Latino and young voters, although historically, the Lone Star State has voted red.

Trump and his supporters closely monitored the polls, waiting to see if Mar-a-Lago would be the site of a triumph or a defeat. Meanwhile, across the country, people settle in for a long night, glued to their screens, each hoping that their choice would emerge victorious.