US President Joe Biden broke his silence after his Vice President and Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, was defeated in the presidential election by her Republican opponent, Donald Trump. Biden praised Harris, saying she would "continue to be a champion for all Americans" and carry on fighting with purpose, determination, and joy.
In a statement issued by the White House on Wednesday evening, just hours after Trump was officially declared the 47th President of the US, Biden said Harris led a historic election campaign under extraordinary circumstances.
The Vice President's campaign "embodied what’s possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans".
"Selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made when I became the nominee for President in 2020. It was the best decision I made. Her story represents the best of America’s story... I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story," the outgoing President added.
Further praising Harris, Biden said that Harris will continue to be a "leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America’s future".
Biden's statement came hours after he called his predecessor to congratulate him on his election victory and also extended an invitation for a meeting at the White House on Thursday.
According to the White House, Biden also committed "to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasised the importance of working to bring the country together".
Earlier on Wednesday, Kamala Harris conceded defeat to Trump in one of the most hard-fought races to the White House.
In her first post-election address to supporters, the outgoing Vice President emphasised that the administration would ensure a peaceful transfer of power, indirectly referring to Trump’s refusal to vacate the White House following his loss in the 2020 election.
Trump secured a historic victory after winning 295 electoral college votes in the polls held on Tuesday, crossing the required 270-mark threshold, according to The Associated Press.
Harris won 226 electoral college votes.
Trump also swept several of the key battleground, or swing, states, with projected victories in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia and North Carolina.
Trump has a solid lead in Nevada and Arizona, the two swing states where the vote count is still ongoing.
