President Donald Trump offered “best wishes” to President-elect Joe Biden and said he was “truly proud of what we have achieved together” in a prerecorded farewell speech to all Americans published by the White House on Tuesday afternoon
“We did what we came here to do — and so much more,” the outgoing president said.
Trump acknowledged early in the nearly 20-minute speech that Biden would be America’s next commander in chief.
“This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous. We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck,” Trump said.
“Now more than ever,” Trump said, “we must unify around our shared values and rise above the partisan rancor, and forge our common destiny.”
The president thanked first lady Melania Trump, his children, outgoing Vice President Mike Pence and his family, “the dedicated members of the White House staff and Cabinet” and the U.S. Secret Service for their support.
“Most of all, I want to thank the American people,” Trump said appreciatively. “To serve as your President has been an honor beyond description. Thank you for this extraordinary privilege. And that’s what it is — a great privilege and a great honor.”
Trump went on to recap his administration’s efforts of the last four years, like pre-coronavirus economic success, the development of a coronavirus vaccine, fighting ISIS and some of his foreign and domestic policies.
In closing, Trump told Americans, “I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning.”
“Thank you and farewell. God bless you. God bless the United States of America.”
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn into office on Wednesday at around 10 a.m. MST. Biden will be 46th president of the United States.