United States President Joe Biden will address the nation on Thursday, marking a significant transition of power as he prepares to hand over the presidency to Donald Trump. This follows Trump’s decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in a highly anticipated election.
Biden’s address, scheduled for 11 a.m. ET (1600 GMT) from the White House Rose Garden, is expected to underscore his commitment to a peaceful transfer of power—a pointed contrast to the contentious handover following Trump’s defeat in 2020.
Biden’s office confirmed that he spoke with Trump on Wednesday, emphasizing his intent for a “smooth transition” and a unified nation, despite their historically bitter rivalry.
In July, Biden, 81, stepped out of the race for re-election, endorsing Harris as the Democratic candidate in a bid to protect his legacy and continue his administration's work. However, Trump’s strong comeback in the polls and his ultimate victory cast new questions on the Biden administration's record and legacy.
This transition marks a momentous shift for the United States and global politics. Trump’s return signals a reinstatement of his populist “America First” approach, which reshaped the country’s economic, military, and diplomatic strategies during his first term.
Key international figures have responded swiftly, pledging to work with Trump even as they weigh the impact of his plans for tariffs, military strategy, and foreign policy.
A spokesperson for the Trump campaign, Steven Cheung, said Trump “looks forward to the meeting” with Biden at the White House, adding that he “very much appreciated the call.”
Trump’s Triumphant Return
Trump’s sweeping victory reflects voters’ concerns over issues like inflation and economic stability, areas where Biden and Harris struggled to gain widespread public confidence.
Exit polls indicated strong support for Trump’s hardline approach, especially on matters related to the economy and immigration, and a clear rejection of the Democrats' recent track record.
Trump’s team, meanwhile, is assembling a new administration, with names such as Elon Musk and vaccine skeptic Robert Kennedy Jr. reportedly under consideration.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Trump campaign’s transition team announced that Trump would be working over the coming weeks to find “the best people” to carry out his vision.
One of Trump’s immediate policy targets may be military aid to Ukraine. Trump has previously hinted at reducing U.S. involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for a resolution that includes territorial concessions from Kyiv.
On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Trump and urged him to pursue a “just peace” in Ukraine.
Domestically, Trump has promised to reverse many of Biden’s environmental initiatives, vowing to ramp up oil production as part of his “drill, baby, drill” agenda.
This pledge signals a sharp departure from Biden’s climate-centered policies, which had focused on transitioning to renewable energy.
For Biden, Trump’s victory is a heavy blow, compounded by internal Democratic criticism suggesting he should have ceded the spotlight to Harris sooner.
Nevertheless, Biden offered warm praise for Harris following her concession speech, saying, “What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire.”
A Generational Change, But Not in Age
With Trump, 78, taking office, the U.S. will see yet another record-breaking presidency for age. Trump’s inauguration will surpass Biden’s as the oldest in U.S. history. Biden, who will leave office at 82, is expected to conclude his presidency with a message of unity and hope, even as the nation embarks on a markedly different course.
As he prepares to leave the Oval Office, Biden’s final message is anticipated to emphasize his commitment to democratic principles and the continuity of governance, despite deeply rooted political divisions.
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