Reaction as Biden is declared the projected winner of the US Election
Democrat Joe Biden has surpassed the 270 electoral college votes needed to beat Donald Trump in the race to the White House.
Trump refused to concede, threatening further legal action on ballot counting.
Barack Obama has said he “could not be prouder” to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, saying they will have won “a historic and decisive victory” once all votes are counted.
“We’re fortunate that Joe’s got what it takes to be President and already carries himself that way,” he said.
“Because when he walks into the White House in January, he’ll face a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has – a raging pandemic, an unequal economy and justice system, a democracy at risk, and a climate in peril.
“I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Congratulations to Joe Biden on his election as President of the United States and to Kamala Harris on her historic achievement.
“The US is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security.”
Ellen DeGeneres wrote: “So much history has been made today. Congratulations, President-elect @JoeBiden and MADAM VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT @KamalaHarris!”
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “The Americans have chosen their President.
“Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris! We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let’s work together!”
The President of the European Council Charles Michel tweeted: “Congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris
“(The EU) is ready to engage for a strong transatlantic partnership.
“COVID-19, multilateralism, climate change and international trade are some of the challenges which Europe wants to address together.”
James Corden wrote on Twitter: “I hope President Biden allows himself just a little malarkey this evening. He’s earned it.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tweeted: “While some of the processes are still playing out, it is now clear @JoeBiden has won.
“Congratulations to the President-elect & @KamalaHarris on their historic victory, which saw them win more votes than any candidates in US history.”
He added: “It was a close contest and @realDonaldTrump fought hard.
“Looking forward to working with the new administration – the UK US friendship has always been a force for good in the world.”
TV presenter Chrissy Teigen has been a frequent critic of Mr Trump, who once called her “filthy-mouthed”.
After Mr Biden’s victory was announced, she tweeted: “My god it feels like I just took off a weighted blanket, unhooked my bra and taken out my extensions all at once.”
Ariana Grande posted a picture of Mr Biden and Ms Harris, writing in the caption: “!!!!!!!!!”
Oscar-winner Julia Roberts shared a picture of US TV news presenter Steve Kornacki, who went viral online for his election coverage.
In the caption, Roberts added the hashtags “#wedidit #stevekornacki #letthehealingbegin”.
Alec Baldwin has won acclaim for his portrayal of Mr Trump on comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live. Alongside a screenshot TV news declaring Mr Biden the winner, he wrote: “Amen…”
House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted: “We kept the republic! Congratulations to Joe Biden on his victory for the soul of our country.
“Congratulations to Kamala Harris for making history. It’s a time to heal and a time to grow together. E Pluribus Unum.”
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford tweeted: “Congratulations to @JoeBiden on winning the presidential election in a record turnout.
“And to @KamalaHarris; the first female, black and Indian-American to hold the country’s 2nd highest office.
“Look forward to working with you to build on the strong links between Wales and USA.”
Irish President Michael D Higgins said: “Today, I have conveyed my best wishes to president-elect Joe Biden, wishing him and the American people every good fortune for his term in office and congratulating him, and congratulating vice-president-elect Kamala Harris on her historic achievement.
“Sabina and I, and the staff at Aras an Uachtarain, have the warmest memories of Joe Biden’s two visits to us.
“The bonds between the peoples of Ireland and the United States are close and strong, and I look forward to our two countries working together to rebuild the much-needed trust in the methods and institutions of national and international solidarity and co-operation.”
He added: “That solidarity is indispensable if we are to address the urgent challenges of our time, including such diverse issues as the need to address the cause and consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, global poverty, hunger, migration and the digitisation of our economies, all issues on which the president-elect has expressed a commitment.
“On behalf of the people of Ireland, I wish president-elect Biden and vice-president-elect Harris every success in the years ahead.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub