Donald Trump declared victory early Wednesday, saying Hillary Clinton had conceded the election and that it's time for the nation "to come together as one united people."
Trump, who NBC News projected will win the election, made his remarks from his invite-only election party at the New York Hilton.
The Republican congratulated his Democratic rival, saying that she waged "a very very hard-fought campaign." He also commended her for having "worked very long and very hard" over her political career.
"Now it's time for America to bind the wounds of division — have to get together," he said. "To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people."
Trump, who had been criticized by opponents for rhetoric characterized as divisive and racist, pledged, "I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me."
"For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, of which there were a few people, I'm reaching out to you for your guidance and your help, so that we can work together and unify our great country," Trump added, saying his path to the White House was not a campaign, but rather "an incredible and great movement made up of millions of hard-working men and women who love their country and want a better, brighter future for themselves and their family."
The New York businessman, who sold himself as a political outsider prepared to shakeup establishment politics, touted his support among "Americans from all races, religions, backgrounds and beliefs."
Trump painted an optimistic picture for his presidency, saying he would use his business acumen to unleash the country's "tremendous potential."
During his victory address, Trump pledged to improve U.S. infrastructure, boost the economy and take care of military veterans. Notably, he did not reference his most controversial campaign promises: a wall along the Mexican border and a "total and complete shutdown" on Muslims entering the country.