On November 7, 2024, President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Rose Garden following Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris. In his remarks, Biden urged Americans to 'bring down the temperature' of political discourse and emphasized the importance of unity among citizens, stating that despite differences, they must view each other as fellow Americans [22e20ce4].
Biden congratulated Trump, who is currently organizing his transition team at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, and promised a 'peaceful and orderly' transition of power. This election marks a historic moment as Trump becomes the first convicted felon and oldest individual elected as President of the United States [22e20ce4].
In a significant development, Biden is set to host Trump at the White House on November 13, 2024, for a ceremonial power transfer. This meeting is particularly notable as it contrasts sharply with Trump's refusal to meet Biden after the 2020 election and his absence at Biden's inauguration [5c961e13]. House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated that Republicans are prepared to deliver on Trump's America First agenda, focusing on issues such as border security and lowering costs [4c101f4b].
The implications of Trump's victory are significant, with expectations of substantial changes to Biden's policies on critical issues such as Ukraine and climate change. Trump is already assembling his second administration, appointing Pete Hegseth as defense secretary and Kristi Noem for Homeland Security, indicating a shift in policy direction [5c961e13][4c101f4b].
Biden's call for unity stands in stark contrast to Trump's previous election denial, which culminated in the January 6, 2021 Capitol assault. The President's remarks reflect a commitment to uphold democratic norms and foster a spirit of conciliation during this politically charged time [22e20ce4]. Meanwhile, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized Biden's endorsement of Kamala Harris, suggesting it hindered other candidates [5c961e13]. National security adviser Jake Sullivan has mentioned ongoing discussions on both domestic and foreign policy issues as the transition unfolds [4c101f4b].