Trump edges closer to White House win, rattles world markets

Trump supporter reacts as Fox News announces Donald Trump will win Ohio in Seminole County, Florida, US, Nov 8, 2016. [Photo/IC]

A packed crowd in the lobby of Trump's new hotel in Washington D.C. chanted "lock her up" and "USA, USA, USA" as state after state was called for Trump.

Clinton still had ways to reach 270 electoral votes, but she would have to sweep the remaining battleground states including Pennsylvania, Michigan and pull off an upset win in Arizona.

As of 12:25 a.m. EST (0525 GMT on Wednesday), Trump had 244 electoral votes to Clinton's 215, with US television networks projecting the winner in 42 of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Trump captured conservative states in the South and Midwest, while Clinton swept several states on the East Coast and Illinois in the Midwest. Clinton won Nevada and Virginia.

At 8:55 p.m. EST (0155 GMT on Wednesday), Clinton, 69, acknowledged a battle that was unexpectedly tight given her edge in opinion polls going into Election Day.

She tweeted: "This team has so much to be proud of. Whatever happens tonight, thank you for everything."