Vice President Kamala Harris has congratulated Donald Trump on his US election win following the Democrats's staunch defeat in the tightest leadership election in US political history.
Addressing the nation in Washington DC following her phone call to the Republican rival, Harris claimed her "heart is full of gratitude" for the "trust" voters put in her after the election loss.
Reflecting on conceding the election, Harris affirmed that the result is "not what we wanted, fought for and voted for".
Offering her praise to Trump, who will re-enter the White House for his second term in January, the Democrat nominee stated the "light of America's promise will always burn bright".
Kamala Harris declared America must 'accept the election result' after being defeated by Donald Trump
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"In our nation, we owe loyalty - not to a president or a party, but to the constitution of the United States. And loyalty to our conscience and to our God."
Speaking from Howard University, Harris paid tribute to her family and President Joe Biden for their "love and support" in her campaign after taking over from the 46th leader of America.
Delivering her speech through strong emotion, Harris fought back tears as she hailed the community she built from "every walk of life", united by "love and joy for America's future".
She added: "I know folks are feeling a range of emotions right now. But we must accept the results of this election."
Donald Trump won the US election, marking his second term in the White House
PAHarris recalled her phone call with Donald Trump which was met with boos from the crowd, as she claimed she "offered to help the Trump administration with a smooth and peaceful transition".
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Determined to fight on despite her loss, Harris declared: "While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign. The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness, and for dignity of all people.
"The fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation. The ideals that reflect America at our best. That is a fight I will never give up."
Harris paid tribute to her family and President Joe Biden following the election loss
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