Trump condemns riots, says he will focus on transition in taped remarks
By Brett Samuels and Morgan Chalfant - 01/07/21 07:29 PM EST
President Trump on Thursday said he would focus on ensuring a smooth transition to the incoming Biden administration following violent attacks by a mob of his supporters that stormed the Capitol Wednesday.
Trump, in taped remarks released on social media, condemned the violence that unfolded at the Capitol building but did not specifically name a group that caused the mayhem.
Trump called for calm, and for the first time, he said publicly that it was time to move on from the 2020 election.
"We have just been through an intense election and emotions are high," he said. "But now tempers must be cooled and calm restored."
"A new administration will be inaugurated on Jan. 20. My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth orderly and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation," Trump added.
pic.twitter.com/csX07ZVWGe
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021
The remarks are the president's first acknowledgement of electoral defeat.
Trump acknowledged the finality of his time in office, saying it had been “the honor of my lifetime†to serve as president, though he still did not address his repeated claims about widespread fraud.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/533272-trump-says-he-will-focus-on-transition-in-taped-remarks