TRANSCRIPT
Donald Trump has won the 270 electoral votes needed to win the United States presidential election.
It comes four years after the former president refused to accept the election results, sparking a violent insurrection at the US Capitol.
Since then he has been convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.
Delivering his victory speech to supporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump says he believes his presidency was divinely ordained.
"Well, I want to thank you very much, this is great. These are our friends. We have thousands of friends in this incredible movement. This is a movement like nobody's ever seen before. And frankly, this was I believe the greatest political movement of all time. There's never been anything like this in this country and maybe beyond."
In state after state, Trump outperformed what he did in the 2020 election - as Kamala Harris failed to win over the same number of voters Joe Biden did in winning the presidency four years ago.
Trump assumes office on January 20.
He vowed to rule for all Americans.
"We're going to help our country heal, help our country heal. We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly."
He also pledged to move quickly to implement his policies on immigration.
"We're going to fix our border. We're going to fix everything about our country. We made history for a reason tonight, and the reason is going to be just that."
In her concession speech, Kamala Harris urged supporters to "not despair" - but to stay engaged in the fight to protect American democracy.
She delivered her remarks at the Historically Black College and University she graduated from: Howard University, in Washington.
"So let me say my heart is full today. My heart is full today, full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country and full of resolve. The outcome of this election is not what we wanted. Not what we fought for, not what we voted for. But hear me when I say the light of America's promise will always burn bright."
Supporters stood listening, tears flowing down their cheeks.
Ms Harris says she is proud of the 107-day campaign she ran, after President Biden announced he would not seek another term (in July).
She added it is important to support the peaceful transfer of power.
"I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now. I get it, but we must accept the results of this election. Earlier today, I spoke with President elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power."
She also addressed the youth of America with words of encouragement.
"To the young people who are watching, it is okay to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it's going to be okay. On the campaign, I would often say, when we fight, we win. But here's the thing, here's the thing: sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn't mean we won't win. That doesn't mean we won't win. The important thing is don't ever give up. Don't ever give up. Don't ever stop trying to make the world a better place."
Vice-president Harris ended with some words of inspiration, telling Americans to have faith through what may be difficult times ahead.
"I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case. But here's the thing America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars. The light; the light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service."
Meanwhile, world leaders have congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Stamer called it a historic win.
"Mr Speaker, can I begin by congratulating President-elect Trump on his historic election victory. As the closest of allies, the UK and US will continue to work together to protect our shared values of freedom and democracy. And having had dinner with President-elect Trump just a few weeks ago, I look forward to working with him in the years to come."
However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan refused to congratulate the Republican, saying the results showed that progress is not inevitable.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he congratulates Mr Trump on what he called history's greatest comeback.
In a statement on social media platform X he said:
"Dear Donald and Melania Trump, Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship, yours, Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu."
While campaigning, Mr Trump expressed support for Israel's war to destroy Hamas in Gaza, but said Mr Netanyahu must finish the job quickly.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also congratulated Mr Trump and expressed hope for continued support in the country's war against Russia.
In a statement on social media, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says Mr Trump's leadership will be crucial to maintain the strength of the military alliance.
"I just congratulated Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States. His leadership will again be a key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO."
Countries are also preparing their response to Trump's plan to impose tariffs on goods imported from all countries into the United States.
He has proposed a 60 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports - and a universal 10 per cent tariff on imports from all countries.
In a statement, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen says she wants to work together with the US to support the millions of jobs and billions in trade and investment on each side of the Atlantic.
"I warmly congratulate Donald J. Trump. The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens. So let's work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them."
