President Donald Trump for the first time acknowledged his defeat in the Nov. 3 election and announced there would be an “orderly transition on January 20th” after Congress concluded the electoral vote count early Thursday certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.
Trump’s acknowledgment came after chaos and destruction on Capitol Hill as a mob stormed the Capitol building and unleashed unprecedented scenes of mayhem as it tried to halt the peaceful transition of power. Members of Congress were forced into hiding, offices were ransacked, and the formal congressional tally halted for more than six hours.
After order was restored, Trump released a statement that said, “Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election … nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.”
Trump’s statement could not be posted on his Twitter or Facebook feeds because both accounts had been blocked from posting. His social media director, Dan Scavino, posted the statement —
…fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it’s only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!”
— Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) January 7, 2021
The statement was the first time Trump formally acknowledged his loss after spending the last two months fighting the results of the November election.
Trump’s rhetoric reached a breaking point Wednesday when some of his supporters violently occupied the Capitol in a shocking scene at the seat of American political power.
Authorities said four people died during the violence, including one woman who was shot by an officer outside the House chamber.
Trump had encouraged his supporters to march on the Capitol to protest lawmakers’ actions but, after a mob forced its way inside and clashed with police, called for calm.
I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
The violence, coupled with the president’s slow response, alarmed many in the White House and appeared to push Republicans allies to the breaking point after years of allegiance to Trump. A number of White House aides announced their resignation after the chaos.
Stephanie Grisham, the first lady’s chief of staff and a former White House press secretary, submitted her resignation Wednesday. Deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, White House social secretary Rickie Niceta and deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews also resigned, according to officials. More departures were expected in the coming days, officials said.
Trump’s statement acknowledging defeat came after even longtime allies floated whether members of his Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment and remove him from office.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told ABC late Wednesday that “responsible members of the Cabinet” should be thinking about fulfilling their oath of office, adding that Trump had “violated his oath and betrayed the American people.”
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