Biden Commits to Ensuring a Peaceful Transition of Power Following Trump’s Election Victory
President Joe Biden of the United States has called on Americans to “reduce the temperature” in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidential election victory, promising a calm and orderly transfer of power.
In his initial remarks after the election, which saw the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris lose, Mr. Biden shared that he had a conversation with Mr. Trump, reassuring him that his administration would collaborate with Mr. Trump’s team.
Mr. Biden also reached out to Ms. Harris, expressing that she should take pride in her campaign.
During his speech in the Rose Garden of the White House, Mr. Biden encouraged the nation to temper political tensions following the election.
“You can’t truly love your country only when you win,” he stated.
“You can’t care for your neighbor solely when you agree. Regardless of who you voted for, let’s strive to see one another not as opponents, but as fellow Americans.
“Let’s bring down the temperature,” he urged in his speech.
“Setbacks are part of the journey. It’s unforgivable to give up,” Mr. Biden addressed his staff, who were disheartened by Ms. Harris’ loss. “A defeat does not equate to being defeated.”
Mr. Biden also conveyed that the electoral system is fair and trustworthy.
“I hope we can put to rest any doubts about the integrity of the American electoral system. It is honest, fair, and transparent. It deserves trust, whether one wins or loses.”
Some Democrats have pointed fingers at Mr. Biden, aged 81, for Ms. Harris’ defeat, suggesting he should have refrained from pursuing reelection.
Mr. Biden only withdrew his reelection aspirations in July after a problematic televised debate with Mr. Trump raised concerns about his mental acuity.
Mr. Trump’s campaign reported that Mr. Biden had proposed a meeting at the White House at an unspecified date. In the coming weeks, Mr. Trump is expected to appoint personnel to his administration.
Ms. Harris attempted to console her supporters yesterday. Like Mr. Biden, she committed to assist Mr. Trump’s transition before his inauguration on January 20 but urged Democrats to persist in fighting for their beliefs.
Trump selects Susie Wiles as chief of staff in the White House.
Mr. Trump has declared that Susie Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, will serve as White House chief of staff, assigning a key role to a political strategist who contributed to his electoral success.
This appointment marks the beginning of what is expected to be a series of staffing announcements as Mr. Trump prepares for a comeback to the White House on January 20.
Ms. Wiles will make history as the first woman to hold the position of White House chief of staff.
“Susie Wiles played a crucial role in one of the greatest political victories in American history and was integral to both my 2016 and 2020 campaigns,” stated Mr. Trump.
“She is tough, smart, and innovative, earning admiration and respect universally,” he affirmed. “I am confident she will make our country proud.”
Mr. Trump is considering a diverse array of candidates for top administrative positions, many being recognizable figures from his presidency between 2017 and 2021, according to four sources who spoke to Reuters.
Mr. Trump’s victory, surprisingly decisive according to opinion polls that indicated a much closer race, highlighted the growing discontent among Americans regarding the economy—particularly inflation—border security, and the nation’s cultural direction.
Hispanic voters, generally aligned with Democrats, and low-income families significantly affected by inflation contributed to Trump’s success.
Ms. Harris’ campaign emphasized that Mr. Trump was unfit for another presidential term, citing his criminal record and false claims of election fraud, which incited a mob to storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an unsuccessful attempt to overturn his loss to Mr. Biden.
The former president will operate with far fewer constraints in his second term, leading a Republican Party that he has significantly reshaped over the past eight years.
Republicans reclaimed the US Senate from the Democrats on Tuesday, ensuring Trump’s party will have control of at least one chamber of Congress in the upcoming year.
While Republicans maintained an advantage in the House of Representatives, there were still no winners in 38 of the 435 races.
Mr. Trump won five out of seven key battleground states, securing at least 295 Electoral College votes, surpassing the 270 needed to claim the presidency. He was leading in the remaining two states, Arizona and Nevada, where ballots were still being counted.
Mr. Trump is also poised to become the first Republican presidential candidate to win the popular vote since George W. Bush two decades ago. He lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 but amassed enough Electoral College votes to secure election.
Read More: Results map – see how America voted Trump secures White House comeback victory, defeating Harris Kamala Harris concedes US Election but vows to fight on Why Ireland should be worried about Trump 2.0 Zelensky lauds Trump as win plunges Ukraine war into uncertainty
The United States and the world are facing a dramatically altered political landscape after Mr. Trump’s significant victory.
World leaders quickly expressed their willingness to work with Mr. Trump, despite widespread trepidation globally regarding his ‘America First’ nationalist stance and his commitments to impose large tariffs on foreign imports.
With a substantial mandate, the upcoming Trump administration is expected to operate with greater freedom than during his initial chaotic term and may dismantle significant parts of Mr. Biden’s agenda.
He might begin by terminating the massive military aid from the incumbent administration to support Ukraine against Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Mr. Trump has frequently indicated that he would seek to resolve the conflict by persuading Ukraine to concede territory to Russian President Vladimir Putin, a leader Mr. Trump has often praised.
We need your consent to load this comcast-player content. We use comcast-player to manage extra content that may set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences
(Above: People near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home react to his election victory)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was among the world leaders congratulating Mr. Trump. However, Trump has been critical of U.S. support for Ukraine’s struggle against Russia. He claims he could end the war in 24 hours but has not disclosed how he would achieve this.
The White House is reportedly preparing to rush billions of dollars in security assistance to Ukraine before Mr. Biden exits office in January, aiming to strengthen the Kyiv government ahead of Mr. Trump’s inauguration.
