Washington, Jan 20 (UNI) Incumbent US President Donald Trump, in his farewell address to the nation, extended his wishes to the Biden administration ahead of the Democrat candidate's oath-taking ceremony tonight.
“This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous,” Trump said.
“I did not seek the easiest course… By far, it was actually the most difficult. I did not seek the path that would get the least criticism. I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices, because that’s what you elected me to do. Your needs were my first and last unyielding focus,” he added. Trump will not attend Biden’s inauguration ceremony.
On the eve of his inauguration, President-elect Joe Biden has led a national mourning ceremony in Washington to pay tribute to those who had died of the novel coronavirus. There were 400 lights lit at Lincoln Memorial to mark the 4,00,000 people who had succumbed to the virus in the country.
“It’s hard sometimes to remember. But that’s how we heal. It’s important to do that as a nation. That’s why we’re here today. Between sundown and dusk, let us shine the lights in the darkness along the sacred pool of reflection and remember all whom we lost,” Biden said.
According to the officials, the 78-year-old leader is planning to kick off his new administration with orders to restore the United States to the Paris climate accord and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Biden will sign 17 orders and actions hours after being sworn in as US leader to break from policies of departing President Donald Trump and set new paths on immigration, the environment, fighting Covid-19 and the economy, they said.
Biden "will take action -- not just to reverse the gravest damages of the Trump administration -- but also to start moving our country forward," the aides said in a statement.
While Biden will become the 46th president of the United States, Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris is the first woman and woman of colour to hold the second most important position in the Oval office.
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