Appearing in public for the first time since conceding defeat, the Democrat said she hoped Trump would be a successful president for all Americans.
"We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought," she said.
"We must accept this result... Donald Trump is going to be our president... We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead," Clinton said.
"Last night, I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country," she said, adding that in addition to respecting the election "we must defend" the values of non-discrimination and the rule of law and equality before the law.
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She also regretted that she could not become the first woman president of the country.
"And to all the women.. Who put their faith in this campaign and me... I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion."
"I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but I know someday someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think right now.