US election 2016 live blog: Donald Trump is the new US president
A SHATTERED Hillary Clinton has spoken for the first time since her stunning defeat, admitting she’s in a world of pain.
- Trump fans ‘freak out’ over speech
- Hillary Clinton decides not to appear before her supporters
- Donald Trump delivers his victory speech
- PM Malcolm Turnbull speaks of strong ties with US
- One thing scarier than a Trump presidency
Follow our live blog for all the latest US election news.
DONALD Trump has achieved the impossible with the Republican candidate being declared the next US president.
Here are all the latest developments. If you are interested in earlier posts, you can access them by clicking here. All times are in AEDT.
4:25am
Obama reminds Americans they’re “all on one team”
President Obama has joined the chorus of leaders calling for unity among the American public, saying they are all rooting for Donald Trump’s success.
“The peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of our democracy and we’re going to show that to the world,” he said.
“Everybody is sad when their side loses an election but we have to remember we’re all on one team.”
“We’re patriots first ... we all want what’s best for this country.”
He also praised Hillary Clinton for her “extraordinary life of public service.”
“I’m proud of her, a lot of Americans look up to her. Her candidacy and nomination was historic and sends a message to our daughters.”
3:37am
Hillary Clinton breaks silence on result
Hillary Clinton has broken her silence on her election defeat saying “it’s painful and will be for a very long time.”
Speaking to supporters at a New York hotel, the Democratic nominee and career politician was gracious and warm in her speech, thanking supporters and saying: “I still believe in America and I always will.”
She urged them to “look to the future” of what has been a bitter campaign and said Donald Trump deserved a fair shot at the leadership.
“I know how disappointed you feel because I feel it too and so do tens of millions of Americans,” she said, with Bill Clinton on stage behind her and aide Huma Abedin in the audience.
“We owe [Trump] an open mind and a chance to lead.”
Mrs Clinton thanked the Obamas and her army of volunteers around the country but urged the crowd to keep fighting for what they believe in.
She ended on an emotional note for young women and girls in the audience, saying “nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion.”
“I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling but someone will and hopefully sooner than we might think right now.”
“To all the little girls watching this, never doubt you are powerful and valuable ... Our best days are still ahead of us.”
Vice Presidential candidate Tim Kaine also appeared emotional as he praised Mrs Clinton a sa “loyal” woman who wants to empower families.
“Hillary Clinton is someone who is going to be battling to her very last breath,” he said.
3:22am
Paul Ryan praises Trump’s ‘enormous feat’
Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said Donald Trump pulled off an “enormous political feat” with the mandate he scored for Republicans.
He said the president-elect said the “perfect tone” with his victory speech and the entire political spectrum need to work together.
“We have to work to heal the divisions of a long campaign,” he said. “We all need to dedicate ourselves to making America great again.” It comes after a public spat between the two in which Ryan said he could not support Trump after the “grab them by the p***y comments”.
Trump said he was pleased to be “unshackled” from the party leadership.
“We’re going to hit the ground running,” he said. “What Donald Trump just pulled off is an enormous political feat.”
3:10am
Obama to address nation
President Obama will address the shock election of Donald Trump at 4:15am AEDT, the White House said.
He will speak in the Cabinet Room about the future in which he will be determined to protect his legacy that is under threat with a new Republican-controlled House, Senate and Oval Office.
2:38am
Mixed morning for US stocks
US stockmarkets have opened with mixed fortunes following news of a Trump victory, reversing earlier losses after his optimistic first speech.
Markets have been jittery in recent weeks ahead of the vote in which polls favoured Clinton. On Wednesday, banking stocks made modest gains after he urged Americans to “come together” in his victory speech.
Huge uncertainty remains over what a Trump presidency will mean for trade, defence and geopolitical relationships. Leaders of the World Trade Organisation, United Nations, NATO and press freedom associations have called on him to maintain US leadership during his presidency.
1:44am
Hillary Clinton to address supporters
Defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton will address her staff and supporters shortly at the New Yorker Hotel.
Earlier, she faced criticism for sending her campaign manager John Podesta to face the media with people asking #Where’sHillary online.
Follow our New York Correspondent Charlotte Willis for live updates from the scene.
They keep trying to clear the lobby, but no one is going anywhere. A very sombre mood inside The New Yorker right now. @NeelsVisser1 pic.twitter.com/wR4JIspw3f
— Charlotte Willis (@lottiewillis) November 9, 2016
Some heartbroken members of Clinton's campaign arriving now. They still can't believe it. @newscomauHQ pic.twitter.com/wYtZxP74gW
— Charlotte Willis (@lottiewillis) November 9, 2016
12:32am
Major players in a Trump White House
Donald Trump’s bitter election campaign saw him isolated among Republicans, left to fend for himself at rallies with a small clutch of loyal supporters.
So who will the real estate tycoon rely on in office? Politico has sniffed out some of the characters who could be in his “cabinet in waiting”, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former Republican candidate Ben Carson, who could serve as Health or Human Services secretary.
Check out the rest of their picks here.
11:55pm
France, Germany offer cautious congratulations
Francois Hollande and Angela Merkel have reached out to Donald Trump but remained the President-elect about what is at stake in their relationship
Francois Hollande said the decision “opens a period of uncertainty” for the world with the “future of the planet”, global security and peace at stake.
He said he would engage in talks “without delay. “But I will do with watchfulness and frankness because certain values must be confronted.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said “Germany and America are connected by values: democracy, freedom, respect for the law and for the dignity of human beings, independently of origin, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political views.”
“On the basis of these values, I am offering the future president of the United States of America, Donald Trump, close co-operation.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada has “no closer friend in the world” than the US.
“We look forward to working very closely with President-elect Trump, his administration, and with the United States Congress in the years ahead, including on issues such as trade, investment, and international peace and security,” he said.
“The relationship between our two countries serves as a model for the world. Our shared values, deep cultural ties, and strong integrated economies will continue to provide the basis for advancing our strong and prosperous partnership.”
11:42pm
Trump won’t rule out Special Prosecutor for Clinton
Donald Trump’s campaign manager said the president-elect would not rule out a special prosecutor to investigate rival Hillary Clinton.
“That discussion is to come all in due time,” the manager said according to Sky News reports.
Mr Trump has pledged on multiple occasions to “lock her up” over her use of a private email server while serving as Secretary of State
11:25pm
Obama invites Trump to White House
President Obama has invited Donald Trump to the White House to discuss the transition over the next few months.
“Ensuring a smooth transition of power is one of the top priorities the President identified at the beginning of the year and a meeting with the President-elect is the next step”.
BREAKING: Pres Obama invited Pres-elect Trump to meet with him @WhiteHouse tomorrow. @NBCNews pic.twitter.com/ITdN3z63Uh
— Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) November 9, 2016
10:48pm
Ex-KKK leader David Duke says people are ‘freaking out’
Former KKK Klansman David Duke has congratulated Trump on his win and urged those “freaking out” over his measured acceptance speech to be patient.
The Trump supporter said the president-elect owed his victory “to the South” and the Make America Great Again “army” of supporters.
However Trump used his victory speech to congratulate Hillary Clinton rather than send her to jail as he had promised, which clearly rattled some of his fans.
I'm getting a lot of emails and messages freaking out over Trumps acceptance speech - he did the right thing, he has no power -> YET! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/1TD3GC2lnC
— David Duke (@DrDavidDuke) November 9, 2016
“Anyone telling you this was a vote for “unity” and blah blah blah -> is a liar and they know it! This was a vote for AMERICA FIRST!” he tweeted.
10:34pm
Obama’s cryptic last message
President Obama has phoned Donald Trump to congratulate him on becoming the new president-elect.
Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said Obama phoned Trump early on Wednesday morning while he was speaking in New York. She said the two had a “very nice” talk and could potentially meet on Thursday.
On election night President Obama appeared to accept the possibility of a Clinton defeat.
“No matter what happens, the sun will rise in the morning,” he said.
10.15pm
Critics ask #whereishillary?
Hillary Clinton decided not to appear at her election night party in New York, and has not yet given a speech about the election results.
While she rang Donald Trump to congratulate him about 2.30am on Wednesday (local time), she has yet to make a public statement.
Her behaviour has sparked comment online, with many tweeting using the hashtags #whereishillary. However, many of the comments did seem to be posted by Trump supporters.
#whereishillary She doesn't even respect her supporters enough to show her face. Shamefully deplorable.
— Chris The Deplorable (@ogoreoloco) November 9, 2016
#WhereIsHillary? Seriously. She looks like a bad loser now. Thinking long-term, she is really doing Democrats no favour. #ElectionNight
— Marc Winsland (@Marc_Winsland) November 9, 2016
Remember when the worry was Trump wouldn’t give a concession speech? #WhereIsHillary?
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) November 9, 2016
My sympathies to Clinton supporters. They've been standing out there for hours, like abandoned children. #ImWitHer #whereishillary
— Harambe Speaks (@harambe_speaks) November 9, 2016
9.50pm
World waking up to a new president
It’s now almost 6am in New York and many will be waking up to news that Donald Trump is America’s president-elect.
Here’s how the news is being reported:
9.30pm
Celebrities are not the only ones who can’t accept Trump presidency
Protesters gathered on the streets of Seattle in the early hours of Wednesday morning after Donald Trump was declared president.
Crowd gathered on Capitol Hill to protest #Trump presidency #komonews pic.twitter.com/S3TQeQzSRf
— Nathan Wilson KOMO (@WilsoNews) November 9, 2016
Trump’s election also sparked protests across California, with a crowd at the University of California Santa Barbara also marching near the campus, with some chanting “Not my president. Not my president,” according to the Baltimore Sun.
9.18pm
Trump’s speech helps soothe concerns
Looks like conciliatory comments from Donald Trump in the aftermath of his stunning victory helped global stock markets and the dollar trim their losses on Wednesday.
Though uncertainty remains over Trump’s trade, immigration and geopolitical policies, investors appeared somewhat soothed by his victory speech, in which he praised Clinton and urged Americans to “come together as one united people”.
In Europe, Germany’s DAX was down 0.9 per cent at 10,384 while the FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was 0.2 per cent lower at 6,832.
US stocks are expected to open lower, too, though by far less than earlier predicted. Dow futures are 1.3 per cent lower at 18,057 while the broader S & P; 500 futures were down 1.5 per cent at 2,103.
One currency that remains heavily sold is the Mexican peso. It was down 8.2 per cent at 45 US cents as the prospect of a wall along the United States’ southern border — a key campaigning point for Trump — has come one step closer to reality.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock index closed 5.4 per cent lower, recouping some losses, at 16,251.54. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng closed 2.2 per cent lower to 22,415.19 while the main index in Shanghai fell 0.6 per cent to 3,128.77.
8.45pm
Trump win hits Lady Gaga hard
Looks like Lady Gaga is having a hard time accepting Donald Trump’s win.
She was photographed protesting outside Trump Tower in the early hours of Wednesday morning holding a sing reading “Love trumps hate”.
According to NBC reporter Kasie Hunt, Lady Gaga was crying backstage as it became clear Hillary Clinton was not going to win. She was one of a number of celebrities shocked by the result.
8.30pm
Bill Shorten says he hopes he’s wrong about Trump
Labor leader Bill Shorten did not apologise for his previous criticism of Mr Trump’s comments on women, migrants and race.
“But Australians should also know our alliance with the United States has grown and thrived for seven decades. It is far bigger than any individual, far more powerful than any personality — and it will endure,” he said.
Mr Shorten, who had called Mr Trump “barking mad” and “entirely unsuitable to be the leader of the free world”, said “I certainly hope I’m wrong”.
He said the result was a sign of a political era where “disaffection and disengagement are easily harnessed”.
Conservative coalition MP George Christensen said the Trump agenda was just what the Turnbull government needed.
“Are we going to see a Trump movement here in Australia? For sure I think we will and I hope, just like the US, it is contained within the Liberal National coalition rather than one that springs up from outside it,” Mr Christensen said.
With Mr Trump promising during the election to withdraw from the World Trade Organisation and impose new tariffs on China, Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce said “isolationism” would be a retrograde step.
“I hope cooler heads after the election come into play. America can’t just trade with America, it has to trade with the world,” he said.
Independent MP Bob Katter said the US poll and Britain’s exit from Europe “puts the official tombstone over the free-marketeers”.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson sent her congratulations on Twitter: “Mr President my door will always be open. Congrats on behalf of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party of OZ”
8pm
World reacts to Trump victory
Australia and Russia were not the only countries to comment on the election.
Saeb Erekat, an adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said he didn’t expect US positions on the Israeli- Palestinian conflict to change under President-elect Donald Trump.
While Turkey’s justice minister said wouldn’t make a big difference to the “deep-rooted” relations between the two countries.
Dutch anti-Islam populist politician Geert Wilders tweeted his congratulations to Donald Trump and added: “We also will give our country back to the people of the Netherlands.”
Wilders, whose Freedom Party is riding high in opinion polls ahead of Dutch elections due in March, is known for his strident anti-Islam rhetoric and opposition to the Netherlands’ European Union membership.
RELATED: World reacts to Trump victory
CONGRATULATIONS @realDonaldTrump !!
— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) November 9, 2016
Your victory is historic and for all of us!#ElectionDay #MakeAmericaGreatAgain pic.twitter.com/jZRJNYtP1M
Meanwhile Japan is sending a top official to Washington to try to meet with those who will be responsible for the next White House administration.
Katsuyuki Kawai, a political aide to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in charge of diplomacy, told reporters after meeting with Abe that he had been instructed to visit Washington as early as next week.
Abe’s instruction came when results showed Trump with a clear lead. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said it was not because Japan was unprepared for Trump’s win.
7.45pm
Putin-Trump bromance continues
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday congratulated Donald Trump for his victory in US elections, hoping to work with him to improve relations, the Kremlin said in a statement.
Putin “expressed hope for mutual work on bringing US-Russia relations out of their critical condition” and said that “building constructive dialogue” would be in the interest of both countries and the world community, the Kremlin statement said.
7.10pm
Malcolm Turnbull congratulates Donald Trump
The Australian Prime Minister has congratulated Mr Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.
But some have noted that while Mr Turnbull praised the US, he did not say anything about Mr Trump except to congratulate him.
During his speech, Mr Turnbull acknowledged the “great leadership” that President Barack Obama had provided.
“President Obama has guided the United States and led the world through many challenges,” he said. “Challenges of the global financial crisis, dealing with the challenges of terrorism, dealing with the challenges we face in the Middle East, where our servicemen and women are fighting side-by-side with their American comrades. So, this is a historic moment,” he said.
Mr Turnbull also expressed confidence that the strong ties between Australia and the US would continue.
“Let me reassure all Australians that the ties that bind Australia and the US are profound, they’re strong, they’re based on our enduring national interests,” he said.
“We will continue to work with our friends, the US, through the Trump administration, just as we have through the Obama administration.
“We have so much in common: shared values, democracy, the rule of law, maintaining the international order upon which our security and prosperity depends.
“So the American people have made a great and momentous choice today.
“We congratulate president-elect Trump and we look forward to working closely as ever with his administration as it is formed and when it takes office earlier next year.”
6.50pm
Donald Trump takes to the stage
Trump appeared at the New York Hilton with his wife Melania and other members of his family including son Barron, 10, and daughter Ivanka, 35, after being introduced as the president-elect.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, complicated business,” he told supporters.
“I’ve just received a call from Secretary Clinton. She congratulated us — it’s about us — on our victory and I congratulated her and her family on a very, very hard-fought campaign. I mean, she fought very hard,” he said.
He said it was time for us to come together as one united people.
“I will be president for all Americans.”
He said: “We will get along with all other nations, willing to get along with us.
“America will no longer settle for anything else than the best.
“I want to tell the world that, while we will always put America’s interests first, we will deal fairly with everyone.”
RELATED: Trump elected president in the US
Trump exits the party to one of his campaign anthems, The Rolling Stones’ You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
6.46pm
Mike Pence appears at Trump HQ
The vice-president elect confirms what everyone is reporting — that Donald Trump will be the next president of the US.
“This is a historic night,” he told supporters at the Hilton Hotel in New York.
“The American people have spoken and the American people have elected their new champion.
“It is my high honour and distinct privilege to introduce to you the president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump.”
6.41pm
Hillary Clinton calls Trump to concede defeat
Despite refusing to show up for her supporters, there are reports that Hillary Clinton has called Donald Trump to concede defeat, according to AFP.
6.32pm
Donald Trump declared the new US President
AP has declared Trump the winner of the presidential election.
BREAKING: Donald Trump is elected president of the United States. pic.twitter.com/OIJcRFNOGY
— AP Politics (@AP_Politics) November 9, 2016
6.15pm
Clinton camp tells supporters to go home
Donald Trump is on track to become the next US President but the Hillary Clinton campaign refused to concede to her supporters.
It was past 2am in New York when Clinton campaign chair John Podesta told supporters to go home and get some sleep and that Clinton was “not done yet”. He said she would not be speaking tonight as the race was too close to call.
“We’re still counting votes, and every vote counts,” he said.
Clinton, her family and close aides were ensconced in a suite at the Peninsula New York, a luxury hotel in mid-town Manhattan.
Thousands had been waiting hours for Clinton to appear at the Javits Centre in Manhattan, where she was due to speak under a giant glass ceiling.
Earlier, stony-faced supporters were crying and anxiously staring at the big screens showing election results at Clinton’s election night party. Some began leaving as the race wore on into the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Mr Trump was just four electoral votes shy of claiming victory after an extraordinary night.
The Republicans have also claimed control of both the upper and lower house of Congress.
LIVE BLOG: Who is winning the US election?
Her refusal to front supporters has left Clinton open to criticism.
The fact Hillary Clinton didn't even speak to her voters tonight says a lot about how much integrity and respect she has for her supporters.
— Ξxpherience (@Expherience) November 9, 2016
Clinton refusing to appear for supporters shows that she is weak. Not a good example for women. #ElectionNight
— Robert King (@rjkmelb) November 9, 2016
#Clinton supporters exit the building with a ceiling of glass and enter the unknown pic.twitter.com/zbxZyTaWeU
— Katie Fischer (@fischerkatie) November 9, 2016
5.30pm
The one thing scarier than a Trump presidency
As the world adjusts to the idea of a Donald Trump presidency, attention has also turned to exactly how powerful the Republican will be.
While current President Barack Obama’s hands were often tied because of the Republican controlled House and Senate, Mr Trump is unlikely to have the same problem.
The Democrats were hopeful of winning back the Senate but it looks like they have fallen short.
And the Republicans are also projected to maintain control of the House of Representatives.
Unless there’s mutiny among Republicans refusing to support Mr Trump’s legislation, he’ll be pretty free to do what he wants.
As some on Twitter noted: “Trump is gonna be unstoppable in office”.
But Dr John Hart of the ANU School of History provided some hope. He said while Republican control of Congress would add to Trump’s power, it didn’t guarantee he could do what he wanted.
He said Mr Obama had enjoyed a Democrat majority in Congress for the first two years of his presidency but came up against opposition to his health care reforms.
“Parties there are not like parties in Australia, they are not as disciplined and the president doesn’t sit in Congress, (party members) are not as answerable to leaders as they are in Australia.”
Republicans won the House and are about to win the Senate. Trump is gonna be unstoppable in office.
— Fullmetal (@Mik3one5) November 9, 2016
You know what's scarier than a trump presidency? A Trump Presidency with a Republican House and Senate.
— Ashby Gentry (@ashby_gentry) November 9, 2016
GOP winning Senate and House – will control Supreme Court and entire federal government. No checks or balances against President Trump.
— Zach Green (@zachjgreen) November 9, 2016
Donald trump w house and Senate=dictatorship.
— Angela Ricker (@AngRicker) November 9, 2016
If Trump wins and GOP holds House and Senate there will be no checks and balances. He can do whatever he wants. Think about that.
— Max Boot (@MaxBoot) November 9, 2016
Republicans have kept the House and are likely to win the Senate. President Trump would have immense power.
— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) November 9, 2016
Trump explodes at private dinner
Former US President Donald Trump reportedly called Kamala Harris a slur as his frustration boiled over about campaign funds.
Albo’s ‘Cold War’ meeting at major summit
Anthony Albanese is on his way to a major international summit where he will meet China’s No.2 for “constructive and deliberate” talks.
Biden’s vulgar nickname for Trump revealed
Joe Biden uses a vulgar nickname for Donald Trump when the Democrat speaks about his predecessor in private, a new book claims.