Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has conceded the election to Donald Trump, saying she respects the result but would not give up the fight that fuelled her campaign.
"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 as long as we never give up, and as long as we keep fighting," she said.
The vice-president did not speak on election night, leaving Trump in the unusual position of claiming victory before most networks declared he had enough votes or before his opponent had conceded.
Voters delivered the Republican Party a decisive victory. By Wednesday morning, local time, Trump had won all the swing states that had been called — and taken the popular vote for the first time.
His party will also likely gain a majority in the Senate, while possibly keeping control of the House of Representatives after Tuesday's election.
[Overall No Map]Harris said she had spoken with Trump earlier on Wednesday and congratulated him on his victory, before joining supporters at Howard University, the scene of her election watch party the night before.
"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 said.
"A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results. That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks the public trust must honour it. At the same time in our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or a party but to the Constitution of the United States."
Early Wednesday, US President Joe Biden also called Trump to congratulate him.
"President Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasised the importance of working to bring the country together," the White House said.
Crowds gathered to process the loss
The Yard at Howard University filled up again, just hours after disappointed supporters went home.
The DJ played, but in the cold light of day, this felt much less like a party than it did 24 hours ago.
There was still some denial, with several people saying they showed up both to support Harris and to hear from her directly that the dream was really over.
In Washington DC, a safe blue spot, Trump's win will mean massive changes inside the public service, so the impact isn't just a political or ideological one. Many people will lose their jobs as Trump and his teams move back into town.
Jacob Carroll and Maxe Hinds came down to hear Harris speak.
"The popular vote really stood out to me, and I've just been trying to figure out what the disconnect is for voters in this country," Carroll said.
"In comparison to Trump, and really in comparison to anybody she could have been contending with, she's the most qualified — judicial branch, the legislative branch and the executive branch…
"I don't know what more she could have done to showcase to voters that she cared. She actually had a plan, not concepts. I think that's just what confused me.
"The reality is that she is a Black woman. The reality of this situation, reality of where we are as a society, is that we're just not ready for a Black woman," Hinds added.
Anijah Johnson said the result doesn't feel real for her right now.
"I don't think I've ever cried like that in a couple of years," Johnson said. "I just need to see her, hear her voice, like she's a phenomenal woman. And I just feel like she was wronged. She was definitely wronged.
"I'm from Georgia, so I don't even want to go back home, I want to stay here. Because I'm just like, what did we do? If she either got Georgia or Pennsylvania ... she would have gotten it, and it's just like, to not get either of them!"
'Roll up our sleeves'
Harris thanked her husband Doug Emhoff, the Bidens, her running mate Tim Walz and his wife, along with her team, volunteers and electoral officials.
"Over the 107 days of this campaign, we've been intentional about building community and building coalitions. Bringing people together from every walk of life, and background, united by love of country with enthusiasm and joy in our fight for America's future."
But she had a special message for the young people watching in the crowd, and around the world.
"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," she said.
"But 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. You have power. You have power. And don't you ever listen when anyone tells you something is impossible because it has never been done before.
"And so to everyone who is watching, do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves."
After her remarks, she waved to the crowd, soaking up the last moments of her campaign and then she was gone.
