WATCH: President Joe Biden hopes Americans can come together after heated election
WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Thursday morning from the White House Rose Garden, his first on-camera appearance following now President-elect Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
During his speech, Biden said he spoke to Trump on Wednesday and assured him there would be a smooth transfer of power. Biden also said that he hopes that Americans can come together now that the heated election is over.
Biden also talked about the vice president, saying she stepped up under extraordinary circumstances and led a historic campaign. He also said that Vice President Harris was the very first decision he made when he was nominated for president in 2020, and it was the best decision he made.
"Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that 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," Biden said in a statement.
"As I’ve said before, 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," he continued. "Her story represents the best of America’s story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story."
Biden dropped out of the 2024 race in July after a challenging debate with Donald Trump that raised concerns about the incumbent's fitness for office.
Harris concedes to Trump
Harris addressed the nation on Wednesday from her alma mater, Howard University, after conceding to Trump.
In her speech, she stated that while the results were not what she had hoped for, she would work with Trump and his administration to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.
'The outcome of this election is not what we wanted'
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a concession speech at Howard University a day after Election Day. She started by saying "the outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for. But hear me when I say, the light of America's promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up, and as long as we keep fighting."
Harris launched her White House bid just four months ago after President Biden withdrew from the race.
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Former—and future—First Lady Melania Trump assured Americans in a social media post on Wednesday that she and President-elect Donald Trump would "safeguard" freedom following the GOP nominee's landslide victory in the 2024 presidential election.
Voters widely believed that Trump was better equipped than Harris, Biden’s current vice president, to handle the economy and jobs.
Next steps and transition of power
On Wednesday, Biden spoke to Trump and expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, while emphasizing the importance of working to bring the country together, according to the White House.
Trump and Harris also spoke on a call where the president-elect "acknowledged Vice President Harris for her strength, professionalism, and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country," according to Trump spokesman Steven Cheung.
Biden's chief of staff later Wednesday nudged the Trump team to sign the required federal agreements necessary to begin an orderly presidential transition, a White House official said.
A source with knowledge of the Trump campaign said transition talks to take over power on Jan. 20, 2025, had not begun in earnest. Instead, the president-elect was busy taking calls from leaders, domestic and international, donors and key supporters.
Transition discussions are expected to ramp up later in the week, as attention turns to naming an inaugural committee and a formal transition team.