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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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:
- European leaders warn of 'new era of uncertainty'
- Hillary Clinton gives concession speech: 'For all the girls and women watching this, don't give up'
- Stunned world reacts to Mr Trump's victory
- Victor pledges to be 'President for all Americans' in speech
- Billionaire reality star's journey to the White House
- What happens next
- Barack Obama invites successor to White House
- How Mr Trump won the election
- ...and how victory slipped through Ms Clinton's fingers
- Theresa May congratulates the President-elect
- Jeremy Corbyn calls Mr Trump's policies 'wrong'
- Nigel Farage will be first UK politician to meet victor
- Former KKK leader claims support sealed victory
- Financial markets drop as analysts fear 'Brexit all over again'
- How British politicians reacted to the election of Donald Trump
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load
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."
Donald Trump performed a remarkable U-turn in his victory speech, praising Hillary Clinton and calling for unity.
“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!”.
“I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be President for all Americans and this is so important to me.”
After receiving a call from Ms Clinton conceding her defeat, Mr Trump said America owed her a "major debt of gratitude for her service to our country”.
His comments marked an abrupt change of tone from much of the Republican’s campaign, where he repeatedly called his rival “corrupt”, apparently suggested she should be assassinated, and accused American politicians and the media of a conspiracy against him.
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, adding: “We will seek common ground, not hostility. Partnership, not conflict.”
America now it is great again http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwzuVGyWIAANv2t.jpg
A lot of comparisons are flying around this morning to different seismic moments in political history, with one emerging theme of discussion being the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The subject is trending on Twitter in the UK as people remember the event that signalled the end of the Cold War and Communist East Germany - 27 years ago today on 9 November 1989.
UK supporter I interviewed here: "Like after Brexit, the mrkts will fall but you'll recover in a month"Me: Has UK recovered yet?Him: No
Trump's supporters jeer Hillary Clinton as she makes a statement to press #ElectionNight
East River in New York tonight. The calm before the storm http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cwzw1GVXcAAGOod.jpg
