Trump beats Clinton in U.S. election to take White House in stunning upset

Donald Trump has stunned the world by defeating Hillary Clinton to be elected the 45th president of the United States in one of the most divisive elections in modern U.S. history. The triumphant billionaire walked on stage to deliver his victory speech in New York to chants of “USA, USA!” after crucial victories in swing states such as Florida and North Carolina took him beyond the 270 Electoral College votes required to take The White House. The celebrity businessman and political novice pledged to bind the wounds of division and called on Republicans and Democrats to come together after a “nasty” presidential race. Mr Trump paid tribute to his rival for a hard-fought campaign and promised to be “president to all Americans”.

The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. I promise you I will not let you down.

Donald Trump

Mr Trump will not be inaugurated until 20 January - but thoughts are already turning to how his presidency will unfold following promises to build a wall at the Mexican border and to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. In a message to the world, Mr Trump said “while we will always put American interests first… we will get along with all other nations… willing to get along with us.” Mrs Clinton’s supporters were left stony-faced and in tears at what was supposed to be her victory rally, a short distance away in New York, before being sent home by her campaign manager. On what turned out to be a dream night for the Republicans, the party also retained control of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Americas