Last night President Donald Trump condemned the recent siege on Capitol Hill and committed to a peaceful transition of power to the next administration.
“Like all Americans I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem,” President Trump started. “I immediately deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement to secure the building and expel the intruders. America is and must always be a nation of law and order,” he continued.
“The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy. To those who engaged in the acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country, and to those who broke the law, you will pay.”
President Trump then spoke about election integrity for future elections. “I was fighting to defend American democracy. I continue to strongly believe that we must reform our election laws to verify the identity and eligibility of all voters and to ensure faith and confidence in all future elections.”
Of the next administration, Trump said “Congress has certified the results, and a new inauguration will be inaugurated on January 20th. My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth orderly and seamless transition of power.”
“Serving as the President has been the honor of my lifetime, and to all of my wonderful supporters I know you are disappointed but I also want you to know that our incredible journey is only just beginning,” the President concluded.
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Trump’s statement came after McEnany offered similar comments during a brief appearance.
“What we saw yesterday was a group of violent rioters undermining the legitimate First Amendment rights of the many thousands who came to peacefully have their voices heard in our nation’s capital. Those who violently besieged our capital are the opposite of everything this administration stands for” she said.”
She added: “Those who are working in this building are working to ensure an orderly transition of power.”
