This department cares deeply about ensuring that elections around the world are safe: Mike Pompeo
Washington:
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised the world a “smooth transition” after the US elections on Tuesday, but refused to acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden’s victory and said Donald Trump will remain in power.
“There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration,” Pompeo said at a sometimes irritable press conference when asked about contacts with Biden’s team.
“The world must have full confidence that the transition necessary to ensure that the State Department is functional today … with the president taking office on January 20 one minute after noon will be successful,” he said, referring to the date. of the presidential inauguration.
World leaders, including nearly all US allies, have congratulated Biden, who has achieved undisputed leadership in key states, as well as a dominant advantage in the popular vote at the national level.
But Trump has refused to grant the November 3 election and has alleged massive fraud, calling for recount and legal action.
When asked if the United States can still issue statements calling for free elections around the world, Pompeo said the question was “ridiculous.”
“This department cares deeply about making sure elections around the world are safe, free and fair, and my officers risk their lives to make sure that happens,” he said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
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