Barack Obama urges Americans to unite behind Donald Trump

Outgoing US president Barack Obama has promised to ensure a smooth transition of power to his successor Donald Trump after his unexpected victory over Hillary Clinton.

President Barack Obama speaks about the election, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

In a statement at the White House, Mr Obama called on Americans on both sides of the political divide to remember that “we are actually all on one team”.

He revealed that he has invited the president-elect to the White House on Thursday to discuss the process leading to the formal handover of power in January.

Mr Obama said he had instructed his team to “work as hard as we can to make sure that this is a successful transition for the president-elect.

“We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country.”