Donald Trump wins White House in astonishing victory
Donald Trump has been elected America's 45th president in a remarkable victory for the celebrity businessman and political novice who capitalised on voters' economic anxieties to win the race for the White House.
Mr Trump, the Republican candidate, took advantage of racial tensions and overcame a string of sexual assault allegations during a gruelling contest with Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton.
His triumph will end eight years of Democratic dominance of the White House and threatens to undo the achievements of President Barack Obama.
Mr Trump has pledged to act quickly to repeal Mr Obama's landmark health care law, revoke the nuclear agreement with Iran and rewrite important trade deals with other countries, particularly Mexico and Canada.
The tycoon blasted through Democrats' long-standing firewall, carrying Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, states that had not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since the 1980s.
He needed to win nearly all of the competitive battleground states, and he did just that, claiming Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and others.
Global stock markets and US stock futures plunged deeply, reflecting investor alarm over what a Trump presidency might mean for the economy and trade.
A New York real estate developer who lives in a sparking Manhattan high-rise, Mr Trump forged a striking connection with white, working class Americans who feel left behind in a changing economy and diversifying country.
He cast immigration, both from Latin America and the Middle East, as the root of the problems plaguing many Americans and tapped into fears of terrorism at home and abroad.
Vice president-elect Mike Pence declared Mr Trump's victory "a historic night".
Mr Pence, Indiana's governor, addressed Mr Trump's victory party in New York City early on Wednesday.
Mr Trump's running mate said "the American people have spoken and the American people have elected their new champion".
Mr Trump said Mrs Clinton had congratulated him on his victory, as he declared it was "time for us to come together," and pledged to be president "for all Americans".
The president-elect, addressing cheering supporters at his victory party, asked the nation to come together, and promised to "represent every citizen of our land".
He said that it was "time for America to bind the wounds of division" and promised that his administration will be a time of "national growth and renewal".
Mr Trump said "America will no longer settle for anything but the best" and that the nation will "dream big and bold and daring".
Mr Trump will take office with Congress expected to be fully under Republican control. Party Senate candidates fended off Democratic challengers in key states and appeared poised to keep the majority. Republicans also maintained their grip on the House.
Senate control means Mr Trump will have great leeway in appointing Supreme Court justices, which could mean a shift to the right that would last for decades.
