Washington (Web Desk/Agencies): In a pivotal address from the White House Rose Garden on Thursday, President Joe Biden assured the nation that the transfer of power to Donald Trump, the newly elected Republican president, would be smooth and orderly.
Acknowledging the tensions of the election season, the US president called on Americans to "bring down the temperature" of political divisions and reaffirm their trust in the nation's democratic processes.
“For over 200 years, America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world,” Biden remarked, emphasizing the enduring strength of the nation’s democracy. “The will of the people always prevails.”
He shared that he had already reached out to Trump to congratulate him on his victory and offered his full support to ensure the transition was conducted peacefully and without disruption.
The speech came on the heels of a particularly contentious election, and Biden used the moment to underscore the need for national unity.
He acknowledged the deeply divided political landscape but urged the country to heal by recognizing one another as fellow citizens, not as enemies.
“Campaigns are contests of competing visions,” he said, reflecting on the divisiveness of the campaign. “The country chooses one or the other, and we accept the choice the country made.”
Biden also took time to reflect on the campaign run by his vice-presidential nominee, Kamala Harris. Despite her defeat, Biden praised her for running a campaign rooted in values and service. He described Harris as a leader who brought integrity and dedication to the race.
“She gave her wholehearted effort, and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran,” Biden stated, honouring her contribution to the democratic process.
In his address, President Biden further expressed gratitude to the thousands of election workers who helped facilitate a free and fair election. He commended their tireless efforts, calling them a reflection of the country's commitment to upholding its democratic ideals. “Honest,” “fair,” and “transparent” were the terms he used to describe the election, further reinforcing the credibility of the election system.
President Biden acknowledged the disappointment and frustration many Democrats felt after the election results, which saw the Republicans reclaim control of both the White House and the Senate.
However, he reminded his audience of the significant accomplishments of his administration, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and climate change.
He encouraged his supporters not to lose sight of the progress made under his leadership. “Don’t forget all that we accomplished,” Biden told the gathered crowd.
Meanwhile, as Biden's team prepared for the transition, there were still some formalities left to complete.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the Trump transition team had not yet signed two essential agreements with the Biden administration regarding the handover process. These agreements, which are typically standard procedure for an incoming administration, were still pending as of Thursday. Jean-Pierre assured the press that Biden's chief of staff, Jeff Zients, had been in contact with the leaders of the Trump transition team and that communication channels would remain open to ensure a smooth handover.
“We want to have an effective, efficient transition of power,” Jean-Pierre said, underscoring the administration’s commitment to ensuring a seamless process.
At the time of the speech, the balance of power in Congress was still in flux, with the House of Representatives outcome too close to call. However, Republicans expressed confidence they would retain control, despite the uncertainty in the lower chamber.
Through his remarks, Biden made it clear that, despite the political challenges and the bruising election battle, the priority remained on a peaceful transition and the unity of the American people.
He reaffirmed his belief that the nation would emerge from this moment stronger, with a renewed focus on common goals and shared values.