Obama calls Trump; invites the President-elect to White House

Barack Obama called Trump from his residence in the White House to congratulate him

Washington, Nov 9: US President Barack Obama on Wednesday telephoned Donald Trump to congratulate him on his stunning victory and invited the President-elect to meet him at the White House on Thursday to discuss transition planning.

Obama called Trump from his residence in the White House early on Wednesday to congratulate him, White House spokesman said.

The spokesman said President Obama invited Trump to White House on Thursday to discuss the presidential transition. Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway also said Obama called Trump while he was speaking to his supporters in New York, and so Trump called him back after he left the stage.

She said the two leaders had a "very nice talk." Conway said they would meet possibly tomorrow.

The official said Obama will make a statement from the White House to discuss the election results and what steps to take as a country to come together.

Obama also called former secretary of state and Trump's rival Hillary Clinton to express his admiration for the strong campaign she waged.

In a stunning result, billionaire businessman Trump beat seasoned politician Clinton in the knife-edge polls, defying the odds to become the 45th US President after starting off as a rank political outsider.

PTI