 "Trump gets a shot in his tariff arm: US budget deficit falls $35 bn import duty revenue rises")
 "‘Call me if...’: Lutnick says ‘Koreans’ should have sought his help to fix Hyundai visa issue")
America’s future hung in the balance on Tuesday as millions of eager voters cast ballots to elect Democrat Hillary Clinton as their first woman president, or hand power to the billionaire populist Donald Trump. As the world held its collective breath, Americans were called to make a historic choice between two radically different visions for the most powerful nation on Earth. While Clinton has a slim lead in polls, no one was ruling out a victory by her Republican rival Trump — with the winner’s name not expected to be known before 3 am GMT on Wednesday. By 5 pm GMT, voting was underway in all 50 states and the capital Washington. In Virginia horse country, balmy south Florida, and busy Manhattan long lines snaked into the streets outside polling stations. [caption id=“attachment_3094608” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] The time has come for America to decide between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. AP[/caption] “I’m excited. I can’t believe I finally get to vote,” said Jose Maria Molleda, 63, a new US citizen casting his ballot at a Presbyterian church in Clifton, Virginia, where a crowd of 150 gathered before dawn for the opening of polls in the swing state. Katie Kope, another first-time voter in Staten Island, New York, was jubilant after casting her ballot for Trump and his promise to reclaim power from a corrupt Washington elite. “I was kind of torn between the two but I don’t trust Hillary, so that’s what it came down to,” said the 19-year-old. An hour’s drive north, a crowd of admirers chanted “Madam President” as Clinton and husband Bill voted near their home in Chappaqua. “I’m so happy, I’m just incredibly happy,” a beaming Clinton said as she emerged, shaking hands, mingling and chatting with the crowd. “I know how much responsibility goes with this,” said the 69-year-old former secretary of state. “So many people are counting on the outcome of this election, what it means for our country, and I’ll do the very best I can if I’m fortunate enough to win today.” A few hours later it was Trump who rolled up to his voting station in Manhattan, casting his ballot alongside wife Melania in a school gymnasium. “Right now it’s looking very good,” he told reporters — paying no heed to the crowd of protesters who welcomed him with chants of “New York hates you!” Who wears the pants A polling average by tracker site RealClearPolitics gave Clinton a 3.3-percentage point national lead, but Trump is closer or even has the advantage in several of the swing states that he must conquer to pull off an upset. In must-win Florida, Clinton was already assured of the vote of 74-year-old Leonor Perez, who cast her ballot in the Cuban enclave of Hialeah near Miami. “I voted for Hillary because it’s time for a woman to wear the pants in this country,” Perez said. Clinton urged the country Monday to unite and vote for “a hopeful, inclusive, big-hearted America.” Trump pressed his message with voters who feel left behind by globalisation and social change, wrapping up with a flourish on his protectionist “America first” platform. “Just imagine what our country could accomplish if we started working together as one people, under one God, saluting one American flag,” the former reality television star, 70, told cheering supporters in Michigan. ‘Test of our time’ In a kick-off midnight vote, the residents of tiny Dixville Notch, New Hampshire cast their traditional first-in-nation ballots with a total of eight votes — Clinton getting four, Trump two, and two votes going to others. No full results or exit polls will be available before polling stations begin to close on the US East Coast from 7 pm (12 am GMT Wednesday), and it may be three or more hours after that before the direction of the race becomes clear. Even then, questions remain. Trump has repeatedly claimed Democrats and the media are seeking to rig the race and said last month that he may not concede defeat if he thinks voting is unfair. Asked at his voting location whether he would concede if networks call the election for Clinton, Trump said: “We’ll see what happens.” Clinton has pushed a more optimistic vision, despite a wobble in recent weeks when the FBI reopened an investigation into whether she had put US secrets at risk by using a private email server — only to close the probe again on Sunday. In a radio interview on the last night of the campaign, she said the matter was behind her, and she courted voters at her final rallies in Philadelphia with President Barack Obama and rocker Bruce Springsteen, and in North Carolina with pop diva Lady Gaga. “Tomorrow, we face the test of our time,” she declared in front of 40,000 people in Philadelphia. “There is a clear choice in this election. A choice between division or unity, an economy that works for everyone, or only for those at the top; between strong, steady leadership, or a loose cannon who could put everything at risk.” ‘I will fight for you’ Trump meanwhile concluded a last-gasp tour of swing states by painting his rival as a corrupt creature of a discredited elite. Promising to end “years of betrayal,” tear up free-trade deals, seal the border and subject Syrian refugees to “extreme vetting”, Trump told supporters in New Hampshire: “I am with you and I will fight for you and we will win.” Voters are also electing the entire 435-member House of Representatives, and candidates for 34 seats in the 100-member Senate, where Democrats are seeking to snatch control back from Republicans. Trump’s campaign spooked world markets seeking stability after the recent global slowdown. Early Tuesday afternoon, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 were each up about 0.6 percent. Andy McLevey of London stockbroker Interactive Investor said investors were still treading with caution. “Despite polls signalling a Hillary Clinton victory seems likely, it is still too close to call and we may see some jitters as the day progresses,” he said.
Hillary Clinton says, 'Never stop fighting'; Obama invites Trump to White House
The time has come for America to decide between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Follow live updates on the US election 2016 here.
 "Hillary Clinton says, 'Never stop fighting'; Obama invites Trump to White House")
Obama says he’ll smooth transfer of power
Washington: President Barack Obama says he’s instructing his team to make sure there is a peaceful transfer of power to Donald Trump.
Obama spoke Wednesday in the White House’s Rose Garden following Trump’s upset victory in Tuesday’s presidential election.
He noted that he and Trump have had big differences. Trump promises to repeal many of Obama’s achievements over the past eight years. Obama had warned voters that if Trump were to win, “all that progress goes down the drain.”
Now, Obama said “we all want what’s best for this country.” He said the point is that we all go forward with a presumption of good faith in all citizens. He says that’s how the country has moved forward and he’s confident that the incredible American journey will continue.
— AP
Obama on Trump victory: We are now all rooting for his success
Washington: President Barack Obama urged Democrats on Wednesday to put aside their disappointment after Republican Donald Trump won the race to replace him and work toward a successful transition of presidential power.
“We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country,” Obama said after a bitter campaign where he worked hard on Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton’s behalf to defeat Trump, who has pledged to undo Obama’s top legislative and executive accomplishments.
“I want to make sure that hand-off is well executed because ultimately we’re all on the same team,” Obama said.
— Reuters
Obama vows to ensure smooth transition for Trump
Citing transition with Bush, Obama promises a smooth, cooperative transition with Trump
President Obama: “I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to make sure the next president is successful" https://t.co/AmsIdN4KZl
— CNN (@CNN) November 9, 2016
Obama on Hillary Clinton
“I could not be prouder of her. She has lived an extraordinary life of public service"
Obama on Hillary Clinton: “I could not be prouder of her. She has lived an extraordinary life of public service" https://t.co/fVi0JzyFOr pic.twitter.com/TgXgWkdshU
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) November 9, 2016
Don’t be discouraged by the election results: Obama
“I have lost elections before. But that’s how politics work sometimes. When we loose we learn from mistakes, and then get back to the arena. We all go forward with a presumption of good faith. That faith is how the country has come this far.”
I have invited Trump to the White House: Obama
President Obama: I spoke to President-elect Trump last night, congratulated him and invited him to the White House https://t.co/fVi0JzyFOr pic.twitter.com/pT9mDkFly3
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) November 9, 2016
President Obama addresses US citizens from White House
Speaking from the Rose Garden in the White House said: “The peaceful transition is one of the hallmarks of our democracy, and we are going to show that to the world. We are not Democrats first, Republicans first. We are Americans first. We all want what’s best for America.”
Clinton wishes for a hopeful America
On an emotional note, Clinton ended her speech and delivered a powerful message. She said, “I believe we are stronger together and will go forward together. Let us have faith in each other. There are more seasons to come and there is more work to do. I am thankful for this chance to represent you.”
Clinton: “We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought, but I still believe in America” https://t.co/fVi0JzyFOr pic.twitter.com/S5qtRFuJN9
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) November 9, 2016
Clinton has a message for the American people
“I have had some setbacks. Many of you will have successes and setbacks too. never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it. To all the women who put their faith in this campaign in me, nothing has made me prouder and to be your champion. I know we still have not shattered that glass ceiling, but someday some one will, and sooner. To all the little girls, never doubt that you are valuable and can achieve your dreams.”
She thanks her campaign people and the volunteers who helped her campaign. She thanks the donors.
“You poured your heart in this campaign. I want each of to know, you were the best campaign anyone who could have accepted.”
Clinton: “I feel pride for this wonderful campaign… You represent the best of America.” https://t.co/9yiYZXJT2E https://t.co/mD2lShwFPX
— CNN (@CNN) November 9, 2016
Clinton thanks Obama
She thanks Barack and Michelle Obama. “Our country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude. Your graceful determined leadership has mean so much to so many people.”
BREAKING: Hillary Clinton delivers concession speech in Manhattan. Watch live on @CNNGo https://t.co/tsd4VYcs4a pic.twitter.com/71NpqUSwLP
— CNN (@CNN) November 9, 2016
Hillary sounds hopeful in her concession speech
“I hope Trump will be a successful president for all Americans. I feel pride and gratitude for the wonderful campaign we built together. Being your candidate has been one of the greatest honours of my life. I know you feel disappointed and I feel it too. This is painful and is going to be for a long time. Our campaign wasn’t about one person. It was about building a America which is hopeful. I still believe in America. We must accept this result. Donald Trump will be the President. We must respect and cherish the peaceful transfer of power. We must defend our Constitutional values. Our constitutional democracy demands our participation all the time. Making our economy work for everyone. Protecting our country and our planet..”
Tim Kaine introduces Clinton at concession speech
“My wife Hannah is so proud of Hillary Clinton. I am proud of Clinton because she has been a history-maker. I am proud of her because she has inspired us to dream. In everything she has done she has made history. She has made a career out of helping children. I am excited and proud of her because she has built a wonderful time. Her loyalty and compassion to people is remarkable. I am proud of her because she loves this country. She knows our system and is deeply in love with it. Her love of country is obvious to everyone.”
He added, ““They kilt us, but they ain’t whupped us yet. Because we know that the work remains."
House Speaker Paul Ryan: “Donald Trump will lead a unified Republican government” https://t.co/fVi0JzyFOr pic.twitter.com/jewfhdkX7e
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) November 9, 2016
Congrats to President-Elect Donald Trump - as Chrmn of Armed Services Cmte I'll work to confront nat'l security challenges & support troops
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) November 9, 2016
Speaker Paul Ryan reacts to Trump's win: “This is the most incredible political feat I have seen in my lifetime” https://t.co/fVi0JzyFOr pic.twitter.com/oCjNYenPQ7
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) November 9, 2016
Paul Ryan, gives a speech after Donald Trump’s win.
On Wednesday, in a rushed speech, the 54th and current Speaker of the US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan supported Trump’s victory.
He said, “Last night I spoke with president- elect Donald Trump. We spoke on bringing the country together. This is the most incredible feat I have seen in a lifetime. Many citizens have lost faith in our constitution. Trump connected with people in a way no one else did. We will work hand in hand to tackle the challenges of the country.”
He also offered his congratulations to Trump’s running mate, Mike Pence. He said, :I want to congratulate Mike Pence. He is a good man."
“I am very proud of the campaign than we ran. Our house majority is greater than anyone expected. Now we have important work to do.We will honour the principles our country was founded on. We will apply those principles on the problems of this day.”
Our democracy can be messy. We do remain sharply divided. Trump set the right tone last night. This is the time for redemption."
He called to replace Obamacare.
The stage is set at the Wyndham New Yorker hotel
This will be a difficult speech for Clinton as she loses the seat in the Oval Office for the second time. She has served as a Senator and Secretary of State of the United States of America. She has also served as the First Lady of the United States during the presidency of her husband Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001.
Hillary Clinton to concede publicly
Following her defeat against Donald Trump, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton is going to deliver her concession speech at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel in front of her supporters. She will deliver speech with her running mate Tim Kaine.
Paul Ryan, the 54th and current Speaker of the US House of Representatives is also slated to give a speech soon.
Inside the New Yorker hotel, where Clinton will deliver a concession speech pic.twitter.com/MRJ3GhaoSN
— Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) November 9, 2016
George Bush, 41st President of the United States of America gave his best wishes to president-elect Donald Trump in a tweet.
According to reports, George W Bush (the 43rd President of the United States and son of George Bush Sr) did not vote for Donald Trump in the US presidential elections 2016.
Barbara and I congratulate @realDonaldTrump, wish him well as he guides America forward as our next President. His family is in our prayers.
— George Bush (@GeorgeHWBush) November 9, 2016
Czech president very happy with Trump win, says shares his views https://t.co/XLNVJhL7Mx pic.twitter.com/yLMudkn9mj
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 9, 2016
UN counts on Trump to combat climate change, advance rights: Ban Ki-moon
The United Nations will count on Donald Trump’s new US administration to help combat climate change and advance human rights worldwide, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday.
Ban congratulated the US president-elect on his victory and said people everywhere look to the United States to work for the common good.
AFP
Mexican peso plunges 7.64% on Trump win: bank
The Mexican peso plunged by 7.64 percent to a record low against the dollar on Wednesday after Donald Trump’s shock US election win, market data showed.
The Mexican currency weakened to a level of 20.3 pesos to the dollar, according to trading data from private bank Citibanamex.
AFP
Hillary Clinton to soon give concession speech in New York following her defeat in the US presidential election 2016
President Barack Obama will also publicly address the shock election of Donald Trump as his successor for the first time Wednesday, the White House said.
With the world’s hyper-power facing an uncertain future and Obama’s eight-year legacy under mortal threat, the outgoing president will speak in the Cabinet Room of the White House at 12:15 pm (1715 GMT).
US stocks open broadly lower
Stocks are opening slightly lower on Wall Street as markets have a tempered reaction to the victory of Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election.
Markets had been jittery over the prospect of a Trump administration in recent weeks, but the declines in early trading on Wall Street Wednesday were modest.
Health care stocks bucked the downward trend and were broadly higher, led by drugmakers. Investors had feared Hillary Clinton would implement curbs on drug pricing increases that could hurt drugmakers and biotechnology companies.
Pfizer jumped 9 percent, the biggest gain in the Dow Jones industrial average.
The Dow was down 64 points, or 0.4 percent, to 18,268. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index lost 11 points, or 0.5 percent, to 2,128. The Nasdaq composite lost 38 points, or 0.8 percent, to 5,153.
AP
Prospect of Trump presidency unnerves companies, economists
The prospect of a Donald Trump presidency unnerves businesspeople and economists who see him as a reckless novice who might disrupt trade and imperil the struggling global economy.
Financial markets tumbled on Wednesday as Trump claimed victory after a campaign marked by fiery anti-foreign rhetoric and promises to tear up trade deals, restrict immigration and lock up political rivals.
Trump’s confrontational stance toward China and other trading partners, shifting and radical positions on key issues and lack of detailed plans have left many saying it is impossible to know what he might do in office.
That has added to jitters over his upset victory. By 3 am Trump had claimed 276 electoral votes to Hillary Clinton’s 218. Trump vowed to unite the nation after a long campaign season fraught with antagonism.
“We simply can’t know what type of President Trump will be,” said Paul Ashworth, chief US economist for Capital Economics, in a report.
“Will he be the demagogue from the campaign trail, who threatened to lock up his political opponents, punish the media, build border walls and start a global trade war?” said Ashford. “Or is he capable of becoming a statesmanlike figure who leads in a more measured manner?”
Trump’s campaign tapped into American economic anxiety and frustration among workers who feel they have been left behind by globalisation.
The celebrity businessman threatened to scrap trade deals and penalise US firms that shift jobs abroad. Proposals, including building a wall along the Mexican border to block immigration resonated with white working class voters who feel abandoned by traditional leaders.
The world will see a rise in protectionism if Trump makes good on promises of a more aggressive approach to dealing with countries such as China, Germany, Japan and South Korea, said Ha Keon-hyeong, an economist at Shinhan Investment Corp in Seoul.
“It will strengthen protectionism,” said Ha. “That’s basically bad.”
Climate diplomats push back against Trump’s victory
Stunned participants at UN climate talks in Marrakesh insisted on Wednesday that climate change denier Donald Trump cannot derail the global shift to clean energy, although some called his victory in US presidential elections a “disaster”.
Trump “cannot prevent the implementation” of the landmark Paris pact, inked in the French capital last December, said Segolene Royal, France’s environment minister and outgoing head of the UN climate forum.
“As I speak, 103 countries representing 70 percent of (greenhouse gas) emissions have ratified it, and he cannot — contrary to his assertions — undo the Paris Agreement,” she told French radio station RTL.
Trump has described global warming as a “hoax” perpetrated by the Chinese government, and has said at different times that he would “renegotiate” or “cancel” the 196-nation deal. – AFP
People protest against US Presidential-Elect Donald Trump on the streets of Berkeley, CA
"Not our president"- People out on the streets of Berkeley, CA. protesting against Trump. Sigh, a little too late America.... pic.twitter.com/ZqSywDEr58
— Umar A. Chaudhary (@UmarAkram2) November 9, 2016
President Pranab Mukherjee congratulates US President-Elect Donald Trump
Congratulations @realDonaldTrump on your election as the 45th President of United States of America #PresidentMukherjee
— President Mukherjee (@POI13) November 9, 2016
Juncker tweeted the official European Commission statement
Congratulations @realDonaldTrump. Only by cooperating closely can EU&US continue to make a difference in dealing w/ unprecedented challenges pic.twitter.com/6ic39caqiB
— Jean-Claude Juncker (@JunckerEU) November 9, 2016
Trump invited to European Union summit
#BREAKING Tusk, Juncker invite Trump to EU summit 'at earliest convenience': letter
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 9, 2016
Nato head Jens Stoltenberg too congratulates Trump
US leadership is essential in facing up to new security challenges, Nato head Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday as he congratulated Republican Donald Trump on a stunning US election victory.
“We face a challenging new security environment, including hybrid warfare, cyber attacks, the threat of terrorism. US leadership is as important as ever,” Stoltenberg said.
“I look forward to working with President-elect Trump,” he added.
South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham released his statement
My statement on the 2016 Presidential election. pic.twitter.com/r6FpkWPRpT
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) November 9, 2016
Freedom of the Press Foundation’s statement after Trump win
“Donald J. Trump, now the official President elect, is an enemy of press freedom unlike any we have seen in modern presidential history.”
“We may be in for the biggest press freedom fight of our lives for the next 4 years. The fight may be hard, and it may be long, but we want you to know: Every threat, every lawsuit, every subpoena, every prosecution, we will be there holding Trump accountable and upholding the First Amendment.”
Major dailies release their front pages
The front page of The Wall Street Journal pic.twitter.com/vFpldfwwqu
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) November 9, 2016
Tomorrow's cover: @realdonaldtrump has been elected the 45th President of the United States https://t.co/wiLL74mh8B pic.twitter.com/IJOWFp9FEr
— New York Post (@nypost) November 9, 2016
Our front page for Wednesday:
— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) November 9, 2016
HOUSE OF HORRORS: Trump seizes Divided States of America https://t.co/KKePm7uBhV #ElectionNight pic.twitter.com/HcuYeizg3j
Moscow stocks higher: AFP
Moscow stocks higher after Trump win.
Japan congratulates Trump
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe congratulated Donald Trump on Wednesday on his election as US president and vowed that the countries will maintain their close relationship.
“I express my heartfelt congratulations on your election as the next president of the United States,” Abe said in a statement.
“Japan and the United States are unshakeable allies connected by common values such as freedom, democracy, basic human rights and rule of law,” Abe added.
Protests across US against Trump’s presidency
As President-elect Donald Trump stressed on ‘working together", The Guardian repoted that protests have broken out across the country after the election was called in Trump’s favour.
Protests against Trump have broken out in cities across the US https://t.co/0P2PdClQzQ
— Guardian news (@guardiannews) November 9, 2016
Hungary applauds Trump’s victory
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban congratulated U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on his election victory on Wednesday, with the words “What a great news. Democracy is still alive” posted on his Facebook page.
Orban said in July that Trump’s plans on migration and foreign policy were “vital” for Hungary, whereas those of rival Democrat Hillary Clinton were “deadly”.
Orban was then the first European head of state to express a clear preference for either of the two candidates.
French MPs call for social media ban for under-15s, digital curfew for teenagers
A French committee suggests banning social media for kids under 15 and a nighttime digital curfew for teens 15-18. The report cites concerns about TikTok's effects on minors. President Macron backs the ban, akin to Australia's proposed law.
More Impact Shorts "Charlie Kirk, shot dead in Utah, once said gun deaths are 'worth it' to save Second Amendment")
 "From governance to tourism, how Gen-Z protests have damaged Nepal")
 "Did Russia deliberately send drones into Poland’s airspace?")
 "Netanyahu ‘killed any hope’ for Israeli hostages: Qatar PM after Doha strike")
 "Charlie Kirk, shot dead in Utah, once said gun deaths are 'worth it' to save Second Amendment")
 "From governance to tourism, how Gen-Z protests have damaged Nepal")
 "Did Russia deliberately send drones into Poland’s airspace?")
 "Netanyahu ‘killed any hope’ for Israeli hostages: Qatar PM after Doha strike")
Top Shows
