UNITED States Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, which saw Donald Trump secure enough battleground states to claim victory.

In a concession speech at her alma mater at Howard University that was streamed live on her Facebook page, Harris told supporters on Wednesday that even if this was not the outcome of this election they wanted, she urged them to accept the results and commit to a peaceful transfer of power.

Harris had planned a victory speech the night before but instead addressed a subdued crowd. The atmosphere was somber, with many attendees wearing black in contrast to the campaign's previous vibrant colors.

As her campaign song, Beyoncé’s Freedom, played in the background, Harris emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for the ideals that drove her candidacy.

"I know folks are experiencing a range of emotions right now," Harris said, as she acknowledged the disappointment felt by many of her supporters.

"But we must respect the results of this election," she added.

While conceding the race, Harris made it clear that her fight for justice and equality was far from over.

"While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign," she declared, using the word "fight" 19 times during her speech.

Harris also confirmed that she had spoken with President-elect Trump, pledging to support his team in the transition.

A spokesman for Donald Trump confirmed that the president-elect spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris following her concession speech.

During the call, Trump acknowledged Harris’s strength, professionalism, and determination throughout the campaign.

Both leaders also discussed the need to unify the country in the wake of a divisive election.

In a separate call, President Joe Biden also reached out to Harris, congratulating her on her historic campaign.

According to a White House spokesperson, Biden watched Harris's speech live from the White House.

Exit polls suggested Harris had underperformed with key groups, particularly women and minority voters, compared to the 2020 results.

Critics pointed to a lack of a clear economic message as a possible factor in her defeat.(CMM)

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