U.S. President Joe Biden will address the nation on Thursday, following his commitment to ensure a smooth transition of power to Donald Trump after the former president’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris.
Biden will speak from the White House Rose Garden at 11 am (1600 GMT) to “discuss the election results and the transition” to Trump’s second term.
Biden, 81, withdrew from the race against Trump in July, handing the Democratic nomination to Vice President Harris.
Biden seems intent on creating a clear distinction from Trump, whose unwillingness to acknowledge his loss in the 2020 election to Biden led to the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021. Trump also did not attend Biden’s inauguration and did not allow an easy transition, citing claims of voter fraud.
The White House said Biden spoke with Trump on Wednesday and “expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasised the importance of working to bring the country together.”
Despite their extensive history of deep hostility, Biden is adopting a striking presidential demeanour by reaching out to Trump and inviting him to the White House.
Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said Trump “looks forward to the meeting, which will take place shortly, and very much appreciated the call.”
The meeting will be the first time they see each other since Biden’s debacle at the presidential debate in June forced him out of the race.