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."
“My faith in our future has never been stronger”
Hillary Clinton kept things positive as she campaigned in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Monday. She called her rival Donald Trump’s rhetoric a “dark and divisive” vision for America.
““We’ve got challenges, but America’s always had challenges,” she told her supporters,” since when do we become pessimistic and not able to think about what we can do to solve those challenges together?”
“I often didn’t recognize the country that Donald Trump was describing, because from my perspective, looking back at our history, we have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us,” she continued, “and you can vote for a hopeful, inclusive, big-hearted America that will set the stage for an even better future!”
“I want to say especially to the students who are here: I really believe that America’s best days are still ahead of us if we reach for them together,” she added. “My faith in our future has never been stronger.”
—JC
"I want to be a president for all Americans: Democrats, Republicans, Independents. Not just people who support me, but everyone.” —Hillary
Here's a nice shot of President Obama campaigning for Hillary Clinton at the University of New Hampshire.
—JC
Hey Missouri, @RoyBluntMO is only candidate who would repeal, replace ObamaCare & confirm conservative judges #MOSEN bit.ly/2d1P3cs
A supporter holds a target with Hillary Clinton's face at a Trump rally in the Robarts Arena of the Sarasota Fairgrounds on Monday in Sarasota, Florida.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty—JC
Hey Missouri let's defeat Crooked Hillary & @koster4missouri ! Koster supports Obamacare & amnesty! Vote outsider Navy SEAL @EricGreitens !
On the eve of the election, Hillary Clinton has a 90 per cent chance of defeating Donald Trump, according to the final Reuters/Ipsos States of the Nation project. These odds are roughly similar to last week’s numbers, and a Trump victory will heavily on an unlikely combination of t white, black and Hispanic voter turnout in six to seven states.
