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As it happenedended

As it happened: Donald Trump elected President of the United States in shock defeat of Hillary Clinton

Former outsider sweeps to decisive victory after winning key battleground states

Donald Trump's victory speech after winning US election

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Donald Trump has been elected President of the United States in the biggest shock in the country's electoral history. Here are the things you need to know:

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Donald Trump has been named the shock victor of the US presidential election, pledging to be a "President for all Americans".

In a victory speech in New York, the Republican candidate, vowed to unite the country following a divisive campaign littered with controversies.

“Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division…I say it is time for us to come together as one united people,” he said, as supporters chanted “USA! USA! USA!”.

Amid widespread concern over international tensions following Mr Trump’s comments on countries including China and Russia, he insisted he expected “great relationships” with foreign nations.

“America will no longer settle for anything less than best, - we must reclaim our country’s destiny,” he added. “I want to tell the world community that while we will always put America’s interests first, we will always deal fairly with everyone – all people and all other nations.

“We will seek common ground, not hostility. Partnership, not conflict.”

Hillary Clinton phoned Mr Trump in the early hours of Wednesday morning to concede defeat but made no immediate public comment.

As her loss looked ever more certain, she tweeted: "Whatever happens tonight, thank you for everything."

Lizzie Dearden8 November 2016 08:04

Hillary Clinton has arrived at Westchester in New York, where she is greeting supporters. It is expected to be her last appearance on the campaign trail.

Lizzie Dearden8 November 2016 08:48
Lizzie Dearden8 November 2016 09:05

The odds re stacked against Donald Trump but he could still win the Presidential election, according to analysis of swing states, Adam Withnall writes.

Filling in the “safest” 40 states (plus DC) on the US electoral map gives Ms Clinton 201 electoral college votes - the number of points winning that state counts towards the goal to win of 270 - and Mr Trump 186.

Six other states are considered “ones to watch”, leaning one way or another but with a chance they could be flipped. They include Ohio - looking likely to be a Trump win - and Michigan - leaning Clinton - and when filled in for their respective candidates, they put Ms Clinton on 249 and Mr Trump on 215.  

And then there are five states which really will be the bellwethers of this election, states where Real Clear Politics has the gap between the candidates down to fewer than 2 points in the polls.

These are the states Mr Trump has to win if he is to be declared President.

Lizzie Dearden8 November 2016 09:52

There's no such thing as a vote that doesn't count. Today, you can make the difference.RT this—and go vote!… twitter.com/i/web/status/7…

Hillary Clinton8 November 2016 10:07
Lizzie Dearden8 November 2016 10:16

Stevie Wonder is among the celebrities speaking in support of Hillary Clinton, with the blind musician comparing voting for Donald Trump to letting him drive a car.

"If you had an emergency situation and needed to go to the hospital, and you had to get there right away, would you want me driving your car?,” he said.

“So my belief is that Hillary is an experienced person of the government, and she has spent 30 years with a commitment.

“Not to mention that her parents taught her in a kinder way, to have respect and love for all people. That's the person I want to govern, to be the leader of this nation.”

Lizzie Dearden8 November 2016 10:56
Lizzie Dearden8 November 2016 10:57

It’s Election Day and polls are officially open. When will you vote today? Confirm where to go here:… twitter.com/i/web/status/7…

Hillary Clinton8 November 2016 11:01
Lizzie Dearden8 November 2016 11:39

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