Democrat Joe Biden finds it “embarrassing” that Donald Trump is refusing to admit his loss in the US presidential election, he said during a speech in his hometown of Wilmington on Tuesday. Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, meanwhile, has hailed concerns about Trump’s suspicions.
Biden was declared the winner of the election last weekend. Trump says there has been fraud, but has so far failed to provide any evidence. His team is preparing lawsuits against the outcome.
“Well, I just find it embarrassing, frankly,” Biden said of Trump’s insistence. “The only thing is … how can I put this nicely … I don’t think this will benefit his legacy.”
Biden chose his words carefully during the speech, emphasizing that there can only be “one president at a time”. Nevertheless, he hopes to be able to announce a number of cabinet members in the coming weeks.
Among other things, Biden is still waiting for the release of government funds with which he can finance the transition to a new government.
Biden to world leaders: America is back
The president-to-be also spoke about his telephone conversations with a handful of world leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron.
“First, I let them know America is back,” said Biden. “I am confident that America can earn back the respect we had for this.”
Pompeo expects a smooth transition to the second Trump administration
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, meanwhile, echoed Trump’s line, who insists he won the election. He expects a “smooth transition to a second Trump administration,” he said with a smile at a news conference on Tuesday.
McConnell, the Republican Senate leader, says people should “stop acting like themselves” over Trump’s allegations and lawsuits. “We will allow the elections to go through the phases allowed by the constitution,” he said. “Then we swear the winner on January 20, 2021, as we have always done since 1793.” McConnell has not acknowledged Biden’s winnings.
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