Following Donald Trump’s unexpected win in the US presidential election, President Joe Biden appealed to Americans to “bring down the temperature” and find common ground amid the political divide. Speaking from the White House Rose Garden on Thursday, Biden acknowledged the shock of Trump’s comeback, particularly among Democrats, and reassured his supporters that while setbacks are a part of politics, they do not define the future.
“Setbacks are unavoidable. Giving up is unforgivable,” Biden told staffers who were grappling with the loss, especially following the defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris. He reminded them that a single defeat does not spell the end of their cause, and that their dreams for America are still within reach.
Biden expressed confidence in the resilience of the American electoral system, emphasizing that the election proved the integrity of the process. This came as a subtle counter to Trump’s repeated baseless claims of fraud, including his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. “We lost this battle,” Biden remarked. “But the America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up.”
Despite Biden’s calls for calm, the outcome left many within his party feeling disillusioned. Some Democrats placed blame on the 81-year-old president, questioning whether his reelection bid should have been pursued, particularly after a widely criticized debate performance against Trump. In a move that shocked many, Biden had only announced his decision to step down from the race in July, following widespread concerns about his ability to match up against the former president in a debate setting.
As President Biden gears up for a peaceful transition of power, Trump has already begun planning his next administration. His campaign confirmed that Biden had extended an offer to meet at the White House, though the timing remains unclear. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, in a show of support for democratic principles, vowed to aid in the transition while encouraging Democrats to stay true to their values and continue the fight for their beliefs.
Trump’s win highlighted a growing dissatisfaction among the American electorate, with key demographic groups, such as Hispanics and lower-income voters, turning out in support of the Republican candidate. This shift marked a stark departure from prior trends, especially considering the overwhelming support Democrats had traditionally received from these groups.
The election results also signaled a significant political shift. Trump secured victories in five of the seven battleground states, securing 295 Electoral College votes—well above the 270 required for victory. This victory was notable not only for the margin but also for Trump’s ability to win the popular vote, something he had not achieved during his first term in 2016.
Trump’s win reverberated beyond US borders, as world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, extended congratulations. While China’s leadership expressed hopes for peaceful coexistence, Trump’s stance on foreign policy, particularly toward Ukraine, remains uncertain. He has previously stated that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, though he has not elaborated on how he would achieve this.
Back on the domestic front, the election results also showed a shift in Congressional power. Republicans regained control of the Senate, while the battle for the House of Representatives remained undecided, with several races still pending.
In the business world, Trump’s anticipated return to office is expected to usher in a period of deregulation and tax cuts for corporations and high-income earners. However, experts warn that his push for new tariffs, particularly on China, could escalate tensions with global trade partners, creating economic uncertainty in key industries like technology and manufacturing.
As Trump prepares to take office once again, the US faces a period of reflection and rebuilding, with questions lingering over the future of both major political parties and the direction the nation will take under new leadership. The coming weeks will likely set the stage for an intense political transition as both sides grapple with the implications of this unexpected outcome.