President Donald Trump released a 20-minute farewell video to the nation Tuesday during his last full day in office, declaring that “we did what we came here to do — and so much more” while promising supporters that his movement was “only just beginning.”
The outgoing president did not mention Democrat Joe Biden, who will take the oath of office at noon Wednesday to become the 46th president of the United States. Trump also made no concession that he lost the 2020 election.
“I did not seek the easiest course,” Trump said in the video posted online. “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. This I hope will be our greatest legacy.”
Trump also expressed no regrets about his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which he regularly downplayed as no worse than the annual flu. Trump did, however, take credit for the rapid development of vaccines now being distributed on the frontlines of the outbreak.
“As I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning,” Trump said nearly two weeks after the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol staged by his supporters in an attempt to overthrow confirmation of Biden’s election win.
In his farewell speech, Trump condemned the attack but did not claim any responsibility for inciting an insurrection, which prompted the second impeachment during his presidency, with a trial yet to unfurl in the U.S. Senate.
“All Americans were horrified by the assault on our Capitol,” he said. “Political violence is an attack on everything we cherish as Americans. It can never be tolerated.”
As congressional offices and chambers were ransacked Jan. 6, and the angry mob chanted “Kill Mike Pence,” lawmakers hid the Electoral College ballots and took shelter. Capitol security personnel were forced to draw their guns to protect the chamber where Congress members huddled helplessly under chairs and desks.
The rioters had been incited by months of false claims by Trump and others in the GOP who spread the notion that widespread voter fraud got Biden elected and cheated the incumbent out of a second term.
However, judges across the country — including many appointed by Trump — dismissed all 60 cases challenging the election results, citing lack of evidence.
Vice President Mike Pence said he planned to skip the incumbent’s send-off with current and former administration officials at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, which is planned ahead of Biden’s inauguration that Trump will not attend.
From there, Trump will fly to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, where the president hinted he would plan his next political move.
After losing the election, Trump refused to invite Biden for the traditional postelection visit to the White House like the Obamas extended to the Trumps after Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 election.
“This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous,” Trump said. “We extend our best wishes and we also want them to have luck, a very important word.”
The soon-to-be former president listed his successes while in office, touting a strong economy before the pandemic, tax cuts and curbs on government regulation. Trump also mentioned his numerous judicial appointments including three Supreme Court justices, the revamp of the North American Free Trade Agreement and his increased funding for the military, and improved relations throughout the Mideast.
“I am especially proud to be the first president in decades who has started no new wars,” he said.
