Brushing aside fears that his victory will further divide the US, President-elect Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that he will be the leader "for all Americans".
Addressing cheering supporters after he beat Hillary Clinton in one of the most bitterly contested elections, the Manhattan billionaire called for rapprochement between the Republicans and Democrats.
"It is time for us to come together as one united nation," Trump said. "I pledge to every citizen that I will be the President for all Americans."
Trump thanked his supporters across the country, "made up of millions of hard working men and women who love their country and want a better future for themselves and their families".
He said his campaign was a movement made up of people from all religions and races.
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"We will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and knowing the American dream.
"The forgotten men will be forgotten no longer," he added to loud cheers and cries of "USA, USA".
America, Trump said, would rebuild its infrastructure, "which will become, by the way, second to none... We will embark upon a project of national growth.
"We have a great economic plan. We will double our growth and have the strongest economy anywhere in the world."
Trump said the US under his leadership "will get along with all other nations willing to get along with us.
"America will no longer settle for anything that is less than the best.
"I want to tell the world community that while we will put American interests on top, we will deal fairly with everyone."
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