The audience cheered when Trump declared victory

In reality, the drinks were already flowing for several hours before teetotal Trump showed up after 2 a.m. EST (07 a.m. GMT). But the joy of his supporters, dressed in their MAGA uniforms, symbolized something much bigger than the alcohol-induced highs of a fun night out.

Unusually for Trump, the speech promised unity and that he would govern for all — a tone that was largely absent on the campaign trail.

Much will depend on whether Republicans can maintain control of the House of Representatives, in addition to successfully flipping control in favor of the Senate.

If they do, their control of both chambers of Congress plus the White House – a rarity in American politics – will unlock at least two years of incredible political freedom.

Trump failed to really take advantage of the so-called trifecta of the presidency, the House of Representatives and the Senate in his first term – but his advisers won’t let him make such a mistake again.

They will also want him to be much more organized than last time when it comes to choosing a cabinet and key administrative staff.

Those on stage in the early hours of Wednesday could get a taste of what’s to come.