Trump commits to ‘orderly’ transfer of power
As the threat of a second impeachment progresses, President Donald Trump acknowledged on Thursday that Joe Biden will be the next President of the United States, a day after his supporters invaded the US Capitol in a shocking attack on democracy America as Congress certifies Biden’s victory.
Trump, who as recently as Thursday morning had continued to falsely claim that the election had been stolen, said his focus would now turn to ensuring a smooth transition to the Biden administration in a video released Thursday night. Biden, a Democrat, is expected to be sworn in on Jan. 20.
The President condemned violence on Wednesday, saying terrorists had contaminated the seat of American democracy.
“Serving as your President has been an honor of my age,” said Trump, a Republican. “And to all my wonderful supporters, I know you’re disappointed, but I also want you to know that our amazing journey is just the start.”
Joe Biden
The statement was a complete reversal for Trump, who faced growing calls for his resignation or ouster following the attack on Wednesday. Trump has spent months insisting he will prevail in the Nov. 3 election because of widespread fraud, despite no evidence.
His encouragement Wednesday to thousands of supporters that they were marching to the Capitol to protest the election results whipped a crowd that overwhelmed police officers and invaded the Capitol building, forcing members of Congress to hide for their own safety themselves.
The top Democrats in Congress, House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called on Vice President Mike Pence and Trump’s Cabinet to use the U.S. Constitution to remove Trump for “his encouragement of rebellion” .
The 25th Amendment allows a majority of the Cabinet to remove a President from power if he is unable to perform the duties of office.
But Pence’s adviser said the vice president, who would have to lead any such effort, opposed using the amendment to get Trump out of the White House.
If Pence fails to act, Pelosi signed that he would likely reconvene the House to initiate impeachment proceedings against Trump for his role in Wednesday’s violence, which claimed five lives, including one Capitol Police officer, the his death was confirmed on Twitter by the Dean of the United States Representative. Phillips.
A handful of Republicans also called for Trump’s removal. The Wall Street Journal editorial page, seen as the leading voice of the Republican establishment, called on Trump to resign Thursday night.
Several members of the Trump administration, including Elaine Chao, the transportation secretary and wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, resigned as a symbolic gesture against the violence. (Reuters)