Americans in Armidale respond to the news of Donald Trump's election to president of the United States of America

Thousands of kilometres from the action, residents in the New England and North West adjust to the idea of the Republican’s presidency. 

American academic John Malouff said Trump’s election triumph was an international tragedy.

“If he does what he’s said he will start a trade war, a global financial crisis or a nuclear holocaust,” he said.

“He could create a disaster that will flow on to Australia, it’s disturbing.”

Mr Malouff said he fears for the lives of minority groups in his home country.

“I would be very afraid if I was there, if I was Muslim or anyone with dark skin, I think Trump has really helped to catalyse hate toward these people,” he said.

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton won the popular vote but lost in the electoral college.

Californian academic Jeanne Madison put Clinton’s loss down to her womanhood.

“I think a huge factor in the election result was the fact that she was a woman,” she said.

“I don’t think white males can imagine a woman as commander-in-chief.”

Ms Madison spent election day glued to her television.

“I was speechless, astonished, extremely dismayed,” she said.

The sentiment was mirrored by Brooklyn academic Melanie Fillios who watched the map on election day with her American colleagues at the University of New England.         

“I woke up this morning with a pit in my stomach,” she said.

“Trump’s election sends a social message that it’s okay for someone who says horrible things about women.

“I don’t understand how any rational person could vote for that, he’s a pig and that’s not a role model for anyone.

“This is a country I thought I knew and now I’m scared for it.”