US President Donald Trump acknowledged on Sunday for the first time that President-elect Joe Biden has “won” the 2020 election, initiating a process that could possibly lead to a full-blown concession.
“He won because the election was rigged,” Trump wrote in a tweet, continuing to repeat his allegations of voter fraud and wrongdoing that have found no traction outside of his base of support, have not appeared in court, and have been discredited by seniors. election security officials from your own administration.
“I grant NOTHING!” Trump added, however. “We have a long way to go. This was a EQUIPPED CHOICE!”
Trump has refused to concede the election, which Biden won by securing 306 votes in the electoral college, matching Trump’s winning run in 2016 that he had called “overwhelming.”
Biden, the president-elect, has also beaten the Republican incumbent in popular votes by more than 5 million.
Trump has not only refused to budge, he has also prevented Biden and his team from receiving intelligence, cooperation and information from agencies as part of a transition process that has been honored and respected by outgoing Republican and Democratic administrations.
When asked if Trump’s tweet was the “first step” of a concession, Biden’s chief of staff, Ronald Klain, said on NBC’s Meet the Press: “I accept it as further confirmation of the reality of that Joe Biden won the election. “
On the same show, Asa Hutchinson, the Republican governor of Arkansas, a state that Trump won, welcomed the president’s tweet. “It was good to see President Trump tweet that (Biden) won. I think that’s the beginning of a recognition, “he said.
A growing number of Republicans, conservative pundits and media organizations have been calling for Trump to accept defeat, give in gracefully, facilitate a smooth transition of power and leave office without further tarnishing his legacy with his baseless accusations.
Spurred by Trump’s allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities, thousands of his supporters, including white nationalists like the “Proud Boys,” marched in Washington, DC on Saturday, chanting slogans like “Stop the Stealing,” inspired by his claims that he had won the elections and they were stolen.
The US president’s parade passed cheering fans on the way to his golf course in the contiguous state of Virginia. He smiled and waved at them, but didn’t pause or comment like he’d said he would.
Tensions flared and violence erupted between Trump supporters and counter-protesters. The clashes escalated later in the night when invectives were exchanged, punches were thrown and bottles of water were thrown. At least 20 people were arrested.
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