Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the race for president early Wednesday following a string of stunning victories in battleground states that sent shockwaves through the political establishment.
The Republican emerged the victor in the most painful and bruising political campaigns in recent memory, transforming a wave of populist anger into a solid electoral lead. Clinton called Trump early Wednesday to concede the race.
"It is time for us to come together as one united people. It’s time," Trump said shortly before 3 a.m. on Wednesday. "I pledge that I will be president for all Americans."
A New York real estate developer and reality TV star turned politician, Trump is set to become the first president since Dwight Eisenhower with no previous experience in public elected office.
Trump defied both conventional wisdom and national polls, which in the election’s closing days showed Clinton with a narrow but consistent lead. And he rebounded from scandals that alienated women, minorities and even some members of his own party to win most of the nation’s most competitive states.
"Ours was not a campaign. It was an incredible and great movement," said Trump. "It’s a movement comprised of Americans from all races, religions, backgrounds and beliefs who want our government to serve the people. And serve the people it will."
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