In farewell address, President Donald Trump wishes successor well
Jan 19, 2021, 2:43 PM | Updated: 4:56 pm
On his last full day in office, President Donald Trump posted a farewell address video in which he wished his successor well.
“This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous. We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck — a very important word,” Trump said during the 20-minute video, although he never mentioned President-elect Joe Biden by name.
The video was posted to the White House YouTube account Tuesday afternoon, about 20 hours before Biden’s inauguration.
In it, Trump, standing behind a lectern with the presidential seal and flanked by four American flags, condemns the violence his supporters perpetrated at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
“All Americans were horrified by the assault on our Capitol. Political violence is an attack on everything we cherish as Americans. It can never be tolerated,” he said.
“Now more than ever, we must unify around our shared values and rise above the partisan rancor, and forge our common destiny.”
Trump has remained largely out of sight since his supporters stormed the Capitol building earlier this month, trying to halt the peaceful transfer of power.
Aides have urged him to spend his final days in office participating in a series of legacy-burnishing events highlighting his administration’s efforts to lower taxes and scale back federal regulations.
Trump thanked his staff and supporters during his farewell address and touted his one-term administration’s accomplishments.
“I go from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful heart, an optimistic spirit, and a supreme confidence that for our country and for our children, the best is yet to come,” he said in closing.
“Thank you, and farewell. God bless you. God bless the United States of America.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
