In farewell handle, Trump urges prayers for subsequent administration with out mentioning Biden By Reuters

By Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump, in a farewell handle launched on Tuesday, urged prayers for the brand new administration of President-elect Joe Biden however declined to acknowledge his Democratic successor by title.

“This week, we inaugurate a brand new administration and pray for its success in preserving America secure and affluent,” the Republican president stated within the video remarks. “We lengthen our greatest needs, and we additionally need them to have luck – a vital phrase.”

Trump has refused to supply a full concession to Biden, who received the Nov. 3 election with 306 Electoral Faculty votes to Trump’s 232. The outgoing president just isn’t assembly with Biden earlier than the Democrat’s inauguration at 12:00 p.m. EST (1700 GMT)on Wednesday and as an alternative plans to fly to Florida, the place he’s anticipated to reside after his White Home time period.

Trump campaigned on a pledge to “Make America Nice Once more” however leaves workplace with almost 400,000 folks useless of the coronavirus whose danger he downplayed, an financial system struggling from the pandemic, and relationships strained with key U.S. allies.

“The best hazard we face is a lack of confidence in ourselves, a lack of confidence in our nationwide greatness,” Trump stated. “America just isn’t a timid nation of tame souls who have to be sheltered and shielded from these with whom we disagree.”

Trump has been holed up on the White Home for the ultimate weeks of his time period, reeling after the riot by his supporters on the Capitol that left 5 folks useless, together with a Capitol Police officer.

The stampede, which adopted a rally through which Trump repeated false allegations of election fraud, has overshadowed any efforts to emphasise the president’s legacy in his closing days in workplace.

Within the recorded remarks Trump sought to focus on points of his presidency through which he took pleasure.

“We did what we got here right here to do, and a lot extra,” he stated. “I took on the robust battles, the toughest fights, essentially the most tough selections – as a result of that’s what you elected me to do.”

Trump famous Center East peace offers his administration brokered and lauded his international coverage agenda.

“We revitalized our alliances and rallied the nations of the world to face as much as China like by no means earlier than,” he stated. “I’m particularly proud to be the primary president in a long time who has began no new wars.”

Trump, who leaves amid deep divisions within the nation, acknowledged the Capitol riots, which within the speedy aftermath of the violence on Jan. 6 he was sluggish to sentence.

“All Individuals had been horrified by the assault on our Capitol. Political violence is an assault on the whole lot we cherish as Individuals. It will probably by no means be tolerated,” he stated.

And the president, who former advisers predict has misplaced a lot of a political future after the riots, urged his motion would go on.

“Now, as I put together handy energy over to a brand new administration at midday on Wednesday, I would like you to know that the motion we began is barely simply starting,” Trump stated.

“I’m going from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful coronary heart and optimistic spirit, and a supreme confidence that for our nation and for our youngsters, the perfect is but to return.”