President Donald Trump has finally conceded defeat to Joe Biden, as he criticized demonstrators who infiltrated the US Capitol.
Protesters loyal to President Trump stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, halting Congress’s counting of the electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s victory as the police evacuated lawmakers from the building.
The incident left four persons dead and several others injured.
Speaking in an aftermath of the demonstrations, Donald Trump finally conceded defeat to Joe Biden, as he promised a smooth transition of power.
He said;
“Now Congress has certified the election results, a new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus now turns to ensure a smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation,” he said during a brief address posted on his Twitter handle.
“To the citizens of our country, serving as your President has been the honour of my lifetime, and to all of my wonderful supporters, I know you are disappointed but I also want you to know our incredible journey is only just beginning,” he added.
The outgoing president also condemned the violent incident at the US Capitol, where a mob entered the House and Senate chambers of the building.
“The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seed of American democracy. To those who engage in acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country, and to those who broke the law, you will pay,” he said.
Trump also called for tempers to be cooled down and calm restored following an intense election, and said he was only fighting to defend American democracy.
“My campaign vigorously pursued every legal avenue to contest the election results. My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote, and so doing I was fighting to defend American democracy. I continue to strongly believe that we must reform our election laws to verify the identity and eligibility of all those voters and to ensure faith and confidence in all future elections,” he remarked.
Watch him speak below;
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021