Trump acknowledges Biden victory, says focus on smooth transition

Donald Trump has spent all four years of his presidency engaging in an aggressive policy against...
US President Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters
President Donald Trump has conceded that Joe Biden will be the next US president, a day after his supporters stormed the US Capitol as Congress was certifying Biden's victory.

Trump, who as recently as Thursday morning (local time) had continued to claim falsely that the election had been stolen from him, said his focus would now turn to ensuring a smooth transition to a Biden administration in a video released on Thursday evening.

The president condemned Wednesday's violence, saying rioters had defiled the seat of American democracy.

"Serving as your president has been the honour of my lifetime," Trump said. "And to all of my wonderful supporters, I know you are disappointed, but I also want you to know that our incredible journey is only just beginning."

The statement was a stark reversal for Trump, who has spent months insisting he prevailed in the Nov. 3 election due to widespread fraud, despite no evidence.

His exhortation on Wednesday to thousands of supporters that they should march to the Capitol to protest the election results whipped up a mob that overran police officers and invaded the Capitol building, forcing members of Congress into hiding for their own safety.

The top Democrats in Congress, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, had called on Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's Cabinet earlier on Thursday to invoke a provision of the US Constitution that allows them to remove the president from power if he is unable to discharge the duties of the office.

Barring that, Pelosi said she would likely reconvene the House to initiate impeachment proceedings against Trump for his role in Wednesday's violence, which claimed five lives, including that of a Capitol Police officer, according to reports.

Comments

View all

"a day after his supporters stormed the US Capitol" yeah so blm and antifa would never dress up as his supporters and cause chaos, they would never do this kind of thing eh.

Can you please supply some evidence to support your claim. The guy with horns for instance is a well known Trump and QUanon supporter named Jake Angeli. Ashli Babbitt whi was shot dead inside the Capitol was spreading right wing theories on social media. Why do we need people spreading these crazy theories here in New Zealand? No thanks nivaman.

"Ashli Babbitt whi was shot dead inside the Capitol was spreading right wing theories on social media" you know this how?, are you her best friend?.

It's over. Don't sully the paper with insinuation.

Sully, paper, what?

Show me where he said he specifically conceded to biden, the closest I read is "A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth orderly and seamless transition of power", nothing here says I concede to jo biden.

View all