In a concession speech in Washington, the vice president said she “will engage in a peaceful transfer of power” and help Mr Trump and his team with the transition.
Kamala Harris said she was “proud” of her campaign in the US presidential election after her loss to Donald Trump. But she told her supporters that they “have to accept the results.”
In a speech in Washington where she conceded her defeat, the vice president said she would “commit to a peaceful transfer of power” and support Trump and his team in the transition.
“Conceding this election does not acknowledge the struggle that drove this campaign,” she added.
“I am very proud of our campaign and the way we ran it.”
As she took to the stage, smiling and waving, Harris acknowledged that her supporters were “feeling a range of emotions.”
She told her supporters, “It’s going to be OK,” adding: “Sometimes the fight takes time. That doesn’t mean we can’t win.”
“Never give up. Never despair.”
Ms. Harris delivered the commencement speech at Howard University, where she was in attendance — the same place where she was scheduled to deliver her victory speech
She thanked President Joe Biden for his support — as did his running mate Tim Walz, who sat in the audience with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In a statement, Mr. Biden called the vice president “a great partner and public servant, full of integrity, courage and integrity, guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a country that is freer, fairer and full of opportunity for all Americans.”
“Your story is America’s greatest story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she will continue to write that story.” She called on Trump to concede his defeat in the US presidential election.
A senior adviser to Harris said Harris spoke of the “importance of a peaceful transfer of power” and “being a president for all Americans.”
Biden also congratulated Trump on his election victory in a phone call and invited him to a transition meeting at the White House.
“President Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and stressed the importance of working to bring the country together,” the White House said.
Biden also spoke to Harris by phone, congratulating her on her “historic campaign.”
Former President Barack Obama issued a statement congratulating Trump on his victory.
“This is clearly not the outcome we expected,” he said. “But living in a democracy means recognizing that our perspective will not always prevail, and preparing to embrace the peaceful transfer of power.”
Trump claims he has been given an “unprecedented and powerful mandate”
Trump won a decisive victory, comfortably securing the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
As he announced his victory in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump told his supporters:
“We have a country that urgently needs our help. Let’s get our borders in order. We’re going to fix everything in this country. It will not be in vain that we made history tonight.”
Trump spoke of his promise to crack down on illegal immigration and vowed to bring about a “Golden Age for America.”
He added, “This is a huge victory for the American people, which will enable us to ‘Make America Great Again.'”
The president-elect paused briefly during his speech as the crowd chanted, “America, America, America!”
After Republicans took control of the Senate from Democrats, President Trump said, “America has given us a powerful, unprecedented mandate. We’ve taken back control of the Senate.”
“Wow. This is amazing.”
Harris to oversee certification ceremony of election
Harris was running as the Democratic nominee for the White House after President Biden stepped down due to concerns about his future following a disastrous debate with President Trump in June. Age dropped out of the race.
As vice president, she is expected to oversee the certification of the election by the U.S. Congress.
It is unclear what role she will play in the future of the Democratic Party.