ncumbent US President Donald Trump tonight released a video in which he condemned the riots that took place in Washington, and pledged in his voice to transfer power to incumbent President Joe Biden. “I am outraged at the heinous attack, those who used violence do not represent our country – and they will pay for it. It is time for reconciliation and mending the rifts,” Trump said.
“America is, and must always be, a nation of law and order,” Trump added. “The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol defiled the seat of American democracy.” He said, “Serving you as president has been the honor of my life. To all my supporters – I know you are disappointed, but our journey is just beginning.” He clarified that “we have taken every legal step to challenge the election results. My sole purpose was to ensure the credibility of the vote.”
According to Trump, “We’ve had intense elections, and the emotions are great. We need to calm the spirits and move forward.” However, he also noted that his campaign continues to take “every legal step” to challenge the results, and called for election security reform. According to Trump, “My only goal is to ensure the truth of the results, and in doing so I am struggling to defend American democracy.”
However, he acknowledged the election results and said that “Congress has approved the results. A new administration will be sworn in on January 20. My focus at the moment will be on a smooth and orderly transfer of power. This is a moment where we must move to healing and reconciliation. 2020 was challenging for us. And to rebuild the world’s largest economy, we must work together. ”
Trump and a flashlight in the Oval Office, two days before the congressional hearing. Photo: White House
White House spokeswoman Kylie McNanny said earlier tonight in a media briefing: “The violence we saw yesterday was appalling. President Trump and his administration strongly condemn it.” McNani added that “those who acted violently are the opposite of everything this administration stands for, and those who broke the law should be prosecuted. We mourn those who lost their lives and the wounded. It is America’s time to unite.”
White House officials say Trump has been very upset over the past day. He prefers to be alone, and is in contact only with a small group of loyal helpers. “He lashes out at anyone who tries to approach him – including his deputy Mike Pence,” it was alleged. Today, Trump is scheduled to leave the White House and spend the weekend at the Camp David presidential residence.
Much of Trump’s outrage is directed at Lantern, who has finally eliminated his chances of canceling the election results and staying in the White House. One source said that at a meeting this week, ahead of a congressional hearing, Trump severely reprimanded his deputy. Republican Sen. Jim Inhof, who spoke with Pence on Tuesday, said, “I’ve known Mike Pence ever since. I’ve never seen him so angry.”
The New York Times reported that Trump is considering pardoning himself just before the end of his term. The move has come up as a real possibility in the White House in recent weeks. According to two Washington officials who took part in discussions on the issue, Trump intends to do so in the final days of his term. Apparently Trump intends to “insure” himself of offenses he allegedly committed during his tenure.
The connection between the report and the attempted takeover of Capitol Hill last night is unclear. The Washington Attorney General announced tonight that he is examining everyone involved in the riots – including President Trump’s involvement in the protest. “We are examining all those involved and everyone who took part in the incidents,” he clarified, emphasizing: “If evidence of criminal offenses is found on their part – they will be charged.”
Meanwhile, CNN reported that a Capitol police officer who was attacked during the violent riots was killed. The death toll in the incident now stands at five. Also, the Capitol Police Chief announced his resignation following the riots. At the same time, the Capitol Police Commissioner announced that he was resigning after the events
