In his farewell address, released through a video, US President Donald Trump talked about his legacy and wished good luck to the new administration. However, he refrained from taking his successor Joe Biden’s name.
"This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous," the Republican president said in recorded remarks. "We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck - a very important word."
The USA has struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic as it has the highest number of fatalities in the world with 4,00,000 people dead already. Although Trump promised in his campaign to ‘Make America Great Again’, his handling of the coronavirus duly got noted and translated into lesser votes.
"The greatest danger we face is a loss of confidence in ourselves, a loss of confidence in our national greatness," Trump said.
In the recorded remarks, Trump sought to highlight aspects of his presidency in which he took pride.
"We did what we came here to do, and so much more," he said. "I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices – because that’s what you elected me to do."
Trump noted Middle East peace deals his administration brokered and lauded his foreign policy agenda.
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"We revitalized our alliances and rallied the nations of the world to stand up to China like never before," he said. "I am especially proud to be the first president in decades who has started no new wars."
"Now, as I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning," Trump said.
"I go from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful heart and optimistic spirit, and supreme confidence that for our country and for our children, the best is yet to come."
Trump had continuously attacked the method of Biden’s victory ever since the latter won the Presidential election in November 2020. Trump had contested the election result which favoured Biden and declared him the new President after he won 306 electoral votes as opposed to Trump’s 232. However, Trump’s bout on the election method came to no avail.
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Joe Biden’s victory was confirmed in January by both the US houses. He will be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States at 12:00pm EST (1700 GMT) on Wednesday and Trump is not meeting with Biden beforehand or attending the swearing-in as is customary in the handover of power to the White House. Trump instead plans to fly to Florida
Ever since the election was initiated, Trump started alleging ‘fraud’ in counting as the votes mounted in favour of his rival Joe Biden. After the election result was called and the winner was declared by the media houses and experts, Trump started attacking the election system vehemently.
Trump went on with his protests for months and even sent his lawyers in state courts to start a hearing on the matter. But his efforts were continuously struck down. At a rally near the White House on January 6, he encouraged followers to march on Congress while lawmakers were certifying Biden's win.
Trump has been convicted in both the houses after the riot by his supporters at the Capitol that led to five deaths, including a Capitol Police officer.
The House of Representatives impeached Trump on a charge of incitement, making him the first president in US history to be impeached twice. He will have to face the charges after leaving office.
