Forgoing a traditional prime-time address to say goodbye to the nation, President Donald Trump released a 20-minute prerecorded message to the nation on the eve of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Pres. Trump is set to become the first sitting president in over a century to not attend the inauguration of his predecessor. He will instead have a ceremony for former staff at Joint Base Andrews Wednesday morning before departing for Florida.
Trump did not acknowledge Biden’s victory in the 2020 election until after the Jan. 6 riots at the US Capitol. Five people died amid the violence after a mob of Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the counting of Electoral College votes. For two months, Trump continuously claimed the election was stolen from him, although it was disputed by dozens of judges, some of whom were appointed by Trump.
Trump decried the violence caused by his supporters during his address on Tuesday.
“All Americans were horrified by the assault on our Capitol,” Trump said. “Political violence is an attack on everything we cherish as Americans. It can never be tolerated.”
He also thanked his family and staff and said he was proud of his administration’s accomplishments.
“Now, as I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at Noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning,” Trump added.
Meanwhile, Trump is expected to release a list of presidential pardons on Tuesday.
