Trump Concedes Election To Biden, Condemns Capitol Riot
President Donald Trump has finally conceded to President-elect Joe Biden, saying the new administration will be inaugurated on Jan. 20. Trump addressed the nation after the riots that shook Washington, D.C.
"My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power," Trump said in a nearly three-minute video. Trump earlier promised that he would never concede to Biden. He then released this statement after a mob of his supporters forced their way in at the Capitol.
During his address, Trump asked that calmness be restored and tempers must now cool. He said everyone must "get on with the business of America," CNBC News reported. Trump added that his focus now is "ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power."
Trump on DC Riot
The president also addressed the Capitol's recent breach, saying that the demonstrators who infiltrated Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy.
He further said that those who engaged in the acts of violent destruction do not represent America, Bloomberg reported. "And to those who broke the law: you will pay," Trump added.
The video followed a series of resignations from his administration aides, while members of Congress discussed impeachment.
Related story: Only 3% of Trump Supporters Believe President Should Concede Election to Biden
Trump said that he had immediately deployed the National Guard to expel the intruders. However, some media outlets reported that he had hesitated to send in the troops, which leaves Vice President Mike Pence to give the order, according to a BBC report.
Trump has repeatedly stated that the election was rigged and that it was stolen from him.
Calls for Trump's Impeachment
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Pence and the Trump cabinet should invoke the Constitution's 25th Amendment. Pence has not yet responded.
Democrats said that impeachment proceedings are an option if Pence decided not to invoke the 25th Amendment. According to a The Guardian report, the Constitution says that the president is removed from office after a House majority vote to impeach and a two-thirds Senate vote to convict.
It is also stated in the Constitution that removal is not the only punishment impeachment can bring. Impeachment could also disqualify the person from holding and enjoying any Office of honor, Trust, or Profit under the United States.
By impeaching the president, the Senate can inflict a penalty that would prevent Trump from holding office again. On the other hand, invoking the 25th Amendment would allow the Cabinet to remove a president who cannot do the job. However, his ability to run for office again is not affected.
According to a BuzzFeed report, several Democrats called for Trump's impeachment for the second time on Wednesday after his supporters staged an attempted coup at the U.S. Capitol while Congress was certifying Biden's win.
Related story: What Happens If Trump Refuses to Concede Defeat?
In October last year, Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstructing Congress after soliciting foreign interference into the election on a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine
But the GOP-controlled Senate acquitted Trump at the time, and he was not removed from office.