Trump bends to reality
With 13 days left in his term, United States President Donald Trump has finally acknowledged his electoral defeat, promising a smooth transition to a Biden Administration amid mass desertions and escalating calls for his removal.
But in a recorded video message delivered from the White House last night, Trump did not so much as concede as grudgingly acknowledge that his presidency would end.
‘‘A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20th,’’ he read off a script in a flat voice.
‘‘My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation.’’
A few hours later, US Capitol Police said an officer had died after clashing with a pro-Trump mob at the US Capitol building, becoming the fifth person to die.
The toll could have been even higher: journalists yesterday described being attacked by supporters of the president, who has repeatedly called the media the ‘‘enemy of the people’’.
Trump’s belated and begrudging admission came after an array of top aides – including Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, both original members of his Cabinet – abruptly resigned.
‘‘Our country experienced a traumatic and entirely avoidable event as supporters of the president stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed,’’ wrote Chao, who is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, one of Trump’s most steadfast enablers over the past four years.
They joined a raft of officials who have quit over the riots. Many more privately discussed whether to follow suit, and recent departures did not mince words about the president’s incitement of the violence.
William P Barr, the former attorney-general, called Trump’s conduct ‘‘a betrayal of his office and supporters’’. Mick Mulvaney, a former acting chief of staff, resigned his current post over the ‘‘international travesty’’ at the Capitol.
Former homeland security secretary and Trump chief of staff John F Kelly urged the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution and remove Trump from office. Under the 25th Amendment, the president can be removed from office by the vice-president plus a majority of the Cabinet, or by the vice-president and a body established by Congress, if they determine he ‘‘is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office’’.
Trump could contest the move, however, making its potential impact unclear.
Administration officials and Trump advisers and associates yesterday painted a portrait of a president who was indignant, unmoored and psychologically fragile.
‘‘He is alone. He is mad King George,’’ a Republican in frequent touch with the White House told The Washington Post. ‘‘I think Trump doesn’t understand how precarious his situation is right now.’’
Democratic leaders in the House and Senate yesterday warned that they would begin impeachment proceedings if the Cabinet and vicepresident did not act to remove Trump.
The president had ‘‘invited an armed insurrection against the United States of America’’, House Leader Nancy Pelosi said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer added: ‘‘If the vicepresident and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president.’’
But the practicalities of removing Trump are daunting, especially with less than two weeks left in his term, and analysts were sceptical that they could succeed.
With time short, others are simply hoping Trump does no further damage before his term expires on January 20.
‘‘I think we’ve got to hold our breath for the next 20 days,’’ said Senator Mitt Romney, a former Republican presidential candidate and the only Republican to vote for Trump’s impeachment last year.