Harris gives defiant concession after stunning Trump win

Donald Trump's crushing presidential victory heralded a new era of uncertainty in the United States and the world on Wednesday, as defeated Kamala Harris gave a defiant concession speech while vowing to help with his transition to power.

An emotional Vice President Harris told tearful supporters in a speech in Washington to "not despair," urging them to "keep fighting" after her loss.

Her pledge to ensure a peaceful handover stood in stark contrast to Republican Trump's unprecedented refusal four years ago to admit defeat against Joe Biden, which culminated in the violent attack by his supporters on the U.S. Capitol.

"While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign," Harris said in her speech at Howard University, her alma mater.

"I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time," she said, her voice hoarse as she made her first public remarks since Trump's surprisingly heavy victory. "But for the benefit of us all, I hope that's not the case."

Harris—who had blasted Trump as a threat to democracy during her failed bid to become America's first woman president—earlier called him to offer her congratulations, an aide said.

Trump sealed his historic comeback to the White House overnight, solidifying what is set to be more than a decade of U.S. politics overshadowed by his hardline, disruptive right-wing policies.

The 78-year-old won wider margins than before, despite a criminal conviction, two impeachments while in office, and warnings from his former chief of staff that he is a fascist.

Exit polls indicated that voters' top concern remained the economy and inflation, which spiked under Biden in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

Harris had also hoped for a surge...