US Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to “never give up the fight” in a stirring concession speech, as she acknowledged that many people feared America was “entering a dark time”.

Harris addressed the nation after phoning president-elect Donald Trump on Thursday (AEDT) to congratulate him on winning and promising to engage in a peaceful transfer of power.

Sixty-year-old Harris said while she conceded the election, she did not concede the fight that fuelled the Democrats’ campaign.

“A 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,” she vowed.

Trump recaptured the White House with a sweeping victory as tens of millions of Americans looked past his criminal charges and divisive rhetoric to embrace a leader who, if he carries out his campaign promises, will test the limits of presidential power.

As Harris spoke at her alma mater Howard University on Wednesday (US time), she sought to console the voters who had hoped she would become the first woman to win the White House.

“To everyone who is watching, do not despair,” she said.

“This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves.”

Harris said there was an adage that had been proven true throughout history that “only when it is dark enough can you see the stars”.

“I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case,” she said.

“But here’s the thing, America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars.

“The light, the light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service.”

Trump’s resounding victory underscored how disenchanted Americans had become with the economy, border security and the direction of the nation and its culture.

Voters demanded a change, even if the agent of change was a convicted felon twice impeached and no longer the Washington outsider he was in his 2016 campaign.

President Joe Biden gave his first remarks since the outcome, praising Harris for leading a “historic campaign” under “extraordinary circumstances” and being guided by a “strong moral compass”.

He said choosing Harris as his running mate in 2020 was the “best decision I made”.

“Her story represents the best of America’s story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story,” said Biden.

“She will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy. She will continue to be a champion for all Americans.”

Here’s our statement on the results of the 2024 presidential election: pic.twitter.com/lDkNVQDvMn

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 6, 2024

Former president Barack Obama issued a statement congratulating Trump and said he “could not be prouder” of Harris and her running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

“This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues,” said Obama.

“But living in a democracy is about recognising that our point of view won’t always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.”

Trump and his incoming vice president, US Senator JD Vance, are due to take office on Inauguration Day, January 20.

The Republican has promised roles in his administration to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a prominent Trump donor, and former presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr.

Harris rose to the top of the Democratic ticket in July after Biden stepped aside and brought new-found enthusiasm and cash to the Democratic ticket. But she struggled to overcome voters’ concerns about the economy and immigration.

She was handed a resounding loss, with Trump winning a greater share of votes across most of the nation compared with his performance in 2020 and Democrats failing to secure key battleground states that decide elections.

Thousands had gathered at Howard University, Harris’ alma mater, on Tuesday night for what they hoped would be a historic victory for the first woman to become president.

They came back on Wednesday to show their support after her loss.

-with AAP