The defining quotes from an extraordinary US election day

The polls have finally closed in this year's bitterly-fought US presidential election - but not without leaving onlookers with plenty to talk about.

US President Donald Trump departs after speaking at an event at the White House in Washington, DC. Source: CONSOLIDATED NEWS PHOTOS POOL

A tense and topsy-turvy election day in the US came to a close on Wednesday (AEDT) with neither Donald Trump or Joe Biden having officially been named the winner.

From baseless claims of voter fraud to historic Congressional wins, there was no shortage of news to emerge, either.

Here's a selection of some of the day's best and defining quotes:

"We did win this election … This is a fraud on the American public."

• Donald Trump speaking at the White House in a late night speech. He claimed he had won the election, despite the final results not yet being given, and said he would go to the Supreme Court to dispute the counting of votes.

 

“The president’s statement tonight about trying to shut down the counting of duly cast ballots was outrageous, unprecedented, and incorrect.” 

• Joe Biden’s campaign manager, Jen O’Malley Dillon, in a scathing statement shortly after Mr Trump’s unfounded claims of fraud.

"Winning is easy. Losing is never easy - not for me it's not."

• Donald Trump, full of confidence, speaking from his campaign headquarters in Virginia earlier in the day.

"I am here to tell you tonight we believe we're on track to win this election."

• Joe Biden addressing supporters as votes were being counted and after his early lead had evaporated.

 

"I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too."

• Sarah McBride after becoming the first openly transgender state senator in United States history. 

“Mike Brown was murdered 2,278 days ago. We took to the streets for more than 400 days in protest. Today, we take this fight for Black Lives from the streets of Ferguson to the halls of Congress. We will get justice.”

• Black Lives Matter activist Cori Bush, after becoming Missouri’s first black congresswoman, in reference to the police killing of Michael Brown and the massive protests that took place in 2014.

“The democratic process must be respected, even when it takes time. It’s in Australia’s interest that America remains a credible, stable democracy.”

• Labor’s foreign affairs spokesperson Penny Wong after Mr Trump’s baseless claims of fraud.

"Count every vote."

• Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull weighed in on Mr Trump's comments with this three-word tweet. 
  

“Australia and the US are the closest of friends and our alliance is deep and enduring. It goes far beyond whoever is the Prime Minister or the President.”

• A spokesperson for Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a statement given to SBS News early on Wednesday.