NEW YORK – Emboldened Republicans claimed a mandate Wednesday for President-elect Donald Trump after his astonishing election triumph, and an emotional Hillary Clinton told disappointed supporters during a concession speech the GOP victor deserved a “chance to lead.”
Clinton addressed a crowd of supporters on Wednesday who gathered in a New York ballroom. She said the loss was “painful and it will be for a long time” and acknowledged that the nation was “more divided than we thought.” However, she also urged supporters to give Trump a chance.
“I still believe in America and I always will. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future,” Clinton said. “Donald trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.”
Still, Clinton also told her supporters that they need to continue fighting for the goals and supporting the issues that her campaign had focused on during the past year.
“Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time,” Clinton said. “So lets do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we hold dear – making our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top; protecting our country and protecting our planet; and breaking down all the barriers that hold any American back from achieving their dreams.”
Donald Trump
Trump, meanwhile, was quiet in the aftermath of his victory and made no public appearances on Wednesday. According to staff, the president elect huddled with advisers at Trump Tower in Manhattan, beginning the daunting task of setting up an administration that will take power in just over two months. He also met with Vice President-elect Mike Pence and took calls from supporters, family and friends..
In Washington, Trump’s transition team is now culling through personnel lists for top jobs and working through handover plans for government agencies.
Trump was expected to consider several loyal supporters for top jobs, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani for attorney general or national security adviser. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker were also expected to be under consideration for foreign policy posts.
Global stock markets and U.S. stock futures plunged early Wednesday on word of Trump’s election, but later recovered. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 1.4 percent for the day in trading in New York.
World leaders congratulated Trump on his victory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had a contentious relationship with Barack Obama, called the Republican a “true friend of Israel.”
British Prime Minister Theresa May said the U.S. and United Kingdom would remain “strong and close partners on trade, security and defense.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the first to reach out to the incoming American leader. Trump praised Putin throughout the campaign and advocated a closer relationship with Russia, despite Moscow’s provocations in Ukraine and elsewhere.
U.S. intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking Democratic organizations during the campaign, actions Clinton’s team saw as an indication that Putin was trying to meddle in the election. Trump notably did not accept the conclusions of intelligence officials.
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