Historic election shocker: Donald Trump wins, becomes 45th U.S. president
WASHINGTON — The market-shaking, adjective-defying prospect of a Donald Trump presidency became reality Wednesday, with a brash billionaire and reality TV star known for building skyscrapers and flinging insults suddenly poised to enter the White House.
It was sealed at 2:31 a.m. Wednesday by The Associated Press, followed shortly afterwards by reports that Hillary Clinton had conceded the race to her bitter rival. In a statement, President Barack Obama said he had spoken with Trump, would comment publicly Wednesday, and would meet with him the following day to prepare a smooth transition.
So the country’s first African-American president, progressive and still relatively popular, stands to be replaced by a nationalist he deeply disdains and who rose to political prominence by insinuating Obama was born in Africa.
Trump was written off again and again, repeatedly shocking the political establishment since last year — first by running, then by becoming a contender, winning the nomination and finally by moving into the Oval Office.