Donald Trump has been elected as the 45th president of the United States, concluding a chaotic and polarizing campaign that appealed strongly to white voters with his pledge to “Make America Great Again.”
He surpassed the required 270 electoral votes at 2:31 a.m. ET after winning Wisconsin, according to projections by the Associated Press.
Trump’s ascent — despite having no background in public office or the military — surprised much of the political world. A real estate mogul and former reality TV figure who had only recently aligned with the Republican Party, his victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton was even more remarkable, blocking her attempt to become America’s first female president.
Taking the stage as supporters cheered, Trump said Clinton had phoned to congratulate him and to concede.
“Now it’s time for America to heal its divisions and unite,” he told the crowd in New York. “We must come together as one people. I promise every citizen that I will serve as president for all Americans.”
