Harris congratulates Trump on election victory – ahead of concession speech

US

Kamala Harris has called Donald Trump to concede defeat in the US presidential election.

A senior adviser to the vice president said she talked about “the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans”.

Ms Harris is due to deliver a concession speech at 4pm local (9pm UK time).

Follow latest updates on US election

Mr Trump won a decisive victory – comfortably clearing the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency.

He said he had won “an unprecedented and powerful mandate”.

Declaring victory earlier in Palm Beach, Florida, Mr Trump told his supporters: “We’re going to help our country heal.

“We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly. We’re going to fix our borders. We’re going to fix everything about our country and we’ve made history for a reason tonight.”

He also doubled down on his promise to crack down on illegal immigration and promised a “golden age of America”.

He added: “This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to ‘make America great again’.”

The president-elect briefly paused his speech as the crowd chanted “USA, USA, USA!”.

Mr Trump’s Republican Party also took control of the Senate from the Democrats.

He continued: “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate. We have taken back control of the Senate. Wow.

“Wow. That’s great.”

Read more:
Trump’s main pledges for second term
Trump’s victory in maps and charts
Shootings, gaffes and McDonald’s: US election in pictures

Harris to oversee ceremonial certification of election

Ms Harris ran as the Democratic candidate for the White House after President Joe Biden left the race amid concerns about his advanced age following his debate with Mr Trump in June.

As the vice president, she is expected to oversee the US Congress’ ceremonial certification of the election.

It is unclear what role she will play in the future of the Democratic Party.

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