Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton delivered the most difficult speech of her long political career this afternoon, saying her defeat in the presidential election hurt, but fighting for what's right was worth it.
In her address, frequently punctuated by applause, Mrs Clinton said she had offered to work with Mr Trump on behalf of the country and she hoped he would be a successful president for the sake of the country.
“This is painful and it will be for a long time, but remember this, the campaign was not about one person or one election, but about building an America that is hopeful, inclusive and big hearted…” Mrs Clinton said.
“We must accept this result and look to the future. We own Mr Trump an open mind and a chance to lead.”
She said that all Americans had a duty to defend and advance their values. The American dream was big enough for everyone irrespective of beliefs, colour and orientation, and it was everyone’s responsibility to do his part for a stronger, fairer America.
“This loss hurts, but fighting for what’s right was worth it,” she said.
She urged her supporters not to be weary because other seasons would come.
Mrs Clinton conceded the election in a phone call to Mr Trump at about 8am. She also received a phone call from President Obama, who thanked her for her work. President Obama also congratulated Mr Trump and invited him for a meeting at the White House tomorrow to discuss the transition.
Mr Trump said he had received a call from Clinton to congratulate him on his win. He praised her for her service and for a hard-fought campaign.
His comments were an abrupt departure from his campaign trail rhetoric in which he repeatedly slammed Clinton as "crooked" amid supporters' chants of "lock her up."
Trump's campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, replying to questions today did not rule out the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate Clinton's past conduct, a threat Trump made in an election debate last month.
Despite losing the state-by-state electoral battle that determines the U.S. presidency, Clinton led Trump in the nationwide popular vote, becoming the fifth US presidential candidate to win the popular vote but lose the election.
OBAMA COMMENTS
President Obama also commented on Mr Trump's speech, saying that being an American came before being a Democrat or a Republican. He said the new president would find a country that was better off than the one he inherited eight years ago, and he was confident the transition would be made smoothly.
See the speech below.