US 2016 presidential election: Donald Trump secures victory as Hillary Clinton concedes defeat
The Republican took the key swing states of Florida, North Carolina and Ohio early this morning, as he marched towards the White House.
In his New York victory speech, Trump who said he was "reaching out" to the people who had not supported him to "unify the country", pledged that he would be president for all Americans.
"Now it's time to bind the wounds of division. I say to Democrats and Republicans it is time come together as one united people. I pledge to be president for all Americans. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer", he said.
He said it was not a campaign but a movement that had won him the White House, comprised of "all people of different backgrounds and beliefs". While thanking his family, Trump noted that victory had been tough, "This political stuff is nasty and it's tough."
It was an extraordinary election night. Mr Trump won some early east coast states and did not look back. When he secured the key swing state of Florida, a clear path to the presidency was laid out. He went on to win Ohio and South Carolina.
Clinton who did not initially concede the election, later called Trump to congratulate him on his victory. Trump offered generous words for his vanquished opponent, saying she had worked hard for many years and was owed a "deep debt of gratitude".
In a conciliatory speech Mr Trump added: "We will get along with all other nations willing to get along with us. We will deal fairly with everyone. We will seek common ground, partnership not conflict. America will no longer settle for anything less than the best. We must reclaim our destiny."
The Republican surpassed expectations and confounded pollsters in Florida, where Mrs Clinton had been expected to win following a surge in the Hispanic vote. Mrs Clinton’s hopes of a swift victory faded as the Republican picked up a series of states early on and maintained his momentum.
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