U.S. President Joe Biden is set to deliver a difficult address to the nation on Thursday, committing to a peaceful transfer of power to Donald Trump after his political adversary achieved a decisive election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
In what promises to be a somber moment for Biden, he will speak from the White House Rose Garden at 11 a.m. (1600 GMT) to “address the election outcome and the upcoming transition” to Trump’s second term.
The 81-year-old president withdrew from the race in July, endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee. However, he now faces the prospect of seeing his policies and achievements overturned by Trump’s remarkable return to power.
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Biden aims to set a clear example in contrast to Trump, whose refusal to accept his 2020 election loss led to the violent January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.
Trump, falsely alleging voter fraud, had also declined to attend Biden’s inauguration or facilitate a formal transition.
According to the White House, Biden spoke with Trump on Wednesday, affirming his commitment to a smooth handover and highlighting the importance of national unity.
In a show of presidential decorum, Biden has extended an invitation for Trump to visit the White House, despite their long-standing rivalry.
Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung stated that Trump “looks forward to the meeting, which will take place shortly, and deeply appreciates the gesture.”
This upcoming meeting marks the first face-to-face encounter between the two since Biden’s faltering debate performance in June, which led to his exit from the race.
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