What have they done?
How Trump triumphed... and what it means for you and the world
AFTER fighting a bitter campaign based on fear and division that pitted Americans against each other, Donald Trump yesterday waltzed into the White House vowing to unite the country he had tried his best to split.
As he targeted his largely working-class army of support on the 18-month road to the election with his man of the people act, the billionaire businessman managed to abuse Muslims, women, disabled people and Mexicans, among others.
But after stunning the world by beating democratic favourite Hillary Clinton to be come the 45th president of the USA, Trump went into charm overdrive, promising to “make America great again” by healing the rifts and ensuring race, creed and religion are no barriers to success.
But even after victory the divisions continued. As supporters celebrated, others took to the streets in furious protest, burning cars and flags.
And it did not take long for Trump to revert to type – he pledged to plough ahead with his plans to build a wall at the Mexican border to keep immigrants out and make them pay for it. Some on this side of the Atlantic were hailing his bombshell victory as another Brexit, where the disaffected masses rose up against the political elite.
And there were worrying similarities to Britain post-referendum – European markets went into a tailspin as it was confirmed a former reality TV star with no political pedigree was now in charge of the world’s most powerful nation.
Some global politicians spoke of their fears for the future under Trump’s reign, with the French ambassador to the US Gerard Araud declaring: “The world is collapsing before our eyes.”
After the final results came in, ending his campaign of toxicity, Republican Trump said: “I pledge to every citizen that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me.
“As I’ve said from the beginning, ours was not a campaign but an incredible and great movement, made up of millions of hard-working men and women who love their country and want a better, brighter future for themselves and their family.
“It is a movement comprised of Americans from all races, religions, backgrounds, and beliefs, who want and expect our government to serve the people – and serve the people it will. Working together, we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American dream.
“I’ve spent my entire life in business, looking at the untapped potential in projects and in people all over the world.
“That is now what I want to do for our country. Tremendous potential. I’ve gotten to know our country so well. Tremendous potential.
“It is going to be a beautiful thing. Every single American will have the opportunity to realise his or her fullest potential.
“The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.” Trump’s triumph was met by dismay among British critics. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned his reign would cause “a real sense of anxiety” around the world.
She added: “I hope the president-elect will take the opportunity to reach out to those who felt marginalised by his campaign and make clear, in deeds as well as words, that he will be a president for everyone in modern, multicultural America.”
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: “Liberal values of moderation, freedom, respect for the rule of law, openness and concern for one another can no longer be taken for granted.
“In the United States last night, those values were defeated. But those values are vital if we are to live together in peace, prosperity and freedom.”
Green Party chief Caroline Lucas claimed it was “a devastating day for women, for people of colour, for disabled people and for an inclusive society in the US”. She added: “Trump’s election is a hammer blow for the fight against climate change and presents a genuine threat to some of the poorest people in the world who will suffer its effects worse.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “This is a rejection of a failed economic consensus and a governing elite that has not listened. And the public anger that has propelled Donald Trump to office has been reflected in political upheavals across the world. But some of Trump’s answers to the big questions facing America, and the divisive rhetoric around them, are clearly wrong.”
Theresa May was less critical, insisting the UK and US will remain “strong and close partners”.
In a neutral statement the PM said: “I look forward to working with president-elect Trump.
“The American people have elected him as the next president of the United States.”
Mrs Clinton had been predicted by some pollsters to win by a landslide. But celebration
parties launched in anticipation of her becoming the USA’s first female president soon turned to wakes as the grim reality sank in.
More than 59 million voters delivered Trump’s implausible victory. Despite more votes being cast for Mrs Clinton, the system allowed him to secure a bigger number of Electoral College polls – which is what determines who wins overall.
Trump won 279 – six more than needed. Mrs Clinton managed only 228, losing almost every swing state Trump had been predicted to lose.
It is only the fifth time in US history that a more popular candidate has lost. The last such defeat came in 2000 when Al Gore was beaten by George
It is a devastating day for women, people of colour, disabled and an inclusive society CAROLINE LUCAS GREEN PARTY LEADER ON TRUMP’S TRIUMPH
W Bush. The others were in the 19th century. Mrs Clinton chose not to speak to supporters immediately after her humiliating defeat, instead addressing them eight hours later.
Outgoing president Barack Obama congratulated Trump and vowed to work with his team to ensure a peaceful transition of power.
He said: “It is not secret that the president-elect and I have some pretty significant differences.
“But remember, eight years ago, President Bush and I had some pretty significant differences. We are now all rooting for success in uniting and leading the country. The peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of our democracy.
“No matter what happens, the sun will rise in the morning.” Mr Obama said he would meet with Mr Trump today.
Russian president Vladimir Putin congratulated his US counterpart and signalled Moscow’s willingness to restore ties fully with America, currently at loggerheads over the Syria conflict.
And despite Trump’s attacks on Mexico, president Enrique Pena Nieto congratulated his win and said: “I reiterate our willingness to work together in favour of the bilateral relationship.”