At times, Trump's agenda lines up more closely with that of the New York Democrat than his own party's leaders. When Trump delivered his acceptance speech early Wednesday morning, the only policy proposal he mentioned was his desire to rebuild "our highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, schools, hospitals." Such a plan is at odds with the fiscal restraint enforced by congressional Republicans, but echoes Schumer's own statements.

Trump has also talked frequently about cracking down on China for manipulating its currency, something that Schumer has spent years trying to persuade presidents to pursue.

Later Wednesday morning Trump called Schumer, who congratulated his fellow New Yorker on his improbable victory.

"It is time for the country to come together and heal the bitter wounds from the campaign," Schumer said in a statement.