President Joe Biden will address the American public today at 11 a.m. (1600 GMT), following Donald Trump’s surprising and decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
In a speech from the White House Rose Garden, Biden will commit to a peaceful transfer of power, marking a significant moment in American politics as the nation prepares for Trump’s return to the White House.
Biden, who withdrew from the race in July 2024, paving the way for Harris to be the Democratic nominee, now faces the reality of seeing his legacy potentially overshadowed by Trump’s political comeback.
Despite the disappointment, Biden, 81, is determined to demonstrate the importance of a smooth and peaceful transition, something Trump himself notably refused to facilitate after his 2020 election loss.
In what will likely be a poignant moment, Biden is expected to strike a contrast between his presidency and Trump’s brand of leadership, especially given the bitter history between the two men.
Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election, his false claims of voter fraud, and his role in inciting the January 6th Capitol riot will remain a defining part of his first term and could set the tone for his second.
The White House confirmed that Biden spoke with Trump on Wednesday to “ensure a smooth transition” and emphasise the need for national unity.
A White House statement described the conversation as “respectful,” with Biden underscoring his commitment to facilitating an orderly transfer of power. Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, acknowledged the call, expressing Trump’s appreciation and readiness for the transition process.
The two men, who have long been political rivals, have not met since June 2024, following Biden’s decision to drop out of the race after a contentious debate in which many observers felt Biden struggled to match Trump’s aggressive style.
The election results have left the political landscape in the U.S. dramatically altered. With a resounding victory, Trump’s return to power reflects significant voter support for his hardline right-wing policies, particularly in response to economic challenges and rising inflation.
Exit polls indicated that many Americans turned to Trump, rejecting the Biden administration’s economic record, which had been marked by high inflation and a sputtering recovery.
In response, world leaders have already begun pledging cooperation with Trump, despite concerns about his “America First” rhetoric and promises to impose protectionist tariffs on foreign goods.
With his eye on rebuilding his administration, Trump’s campaign transition team revealed on Wednesday that he would be working in the coming weeks to select key personnel for his second term.
Among the names reportedly under consideration for prominent roles are tech mogul Elon Musk and controversial figure Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine skeptic.
The new political landscape under Trump will likely bring significant policy shifts. On the global stage, attention is turning to Trump’s approach to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump has long been critical of U.S. military support for Ukraine, and he has suggested in the past that he would push Kyiv to make territorial concessions to Russia in exchange for peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Trump on his victory Wednesday, urging the new president to work toward a “just peace” in Ukraine.
Domestically, Trump has promised to roll back much of Biden’s environmental agenda, including policies aimed at curbing carbon emissions. His pro-fossil fuel stance, epitomized by his “drill, baby, drill” mantra, is expected to lead to a sharp increase in domestic oil production and the dismantling of several environmental protections implemented under Biden.
The 2024 election cycle also highlights a generational shift. Trump, at 78, will soon surpass Biden as the oldest sitting president in U.S. history, breaking the record Biden set when he took office in 2021.
The issue of age has been a topic of concern for both campaigns, with many Democrats believing Biden’s delay in stepping aside for Harris ultimately hurt the party’s chances.
