### Biden Affirms Election Integrity and Pledges Peaceful Power Transition to Trump

In a statement from the Rose Garden on Thursday, President Biden urged Americans to trust the integrity of the electoral system following President-elect Trump's decisive victory in the 2024 race. Asserting the fairness and transparency of the elections, Biden emphasized the need to put concerns about the electoral process to rest.

“I hope we can lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electorate system. It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent. And it can be trusted, win or lose,” Biden stated.

Reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful transition of power prior to Trump's inauguration, Biden vowed to uphold his presidential duties and honor the Constitution. “On Jan. 20, we will have a peaceful transition of power here in America,” he declared. He also mentioned extending an invitation to Trump to visit the White House during the transition, which Trump accepted. This stands in contrast to the end of Trump’s first term, when he neither conceded defeat nor arranged a meeting with Biden after the 2020 election, opting instead to promote unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.

"We accept the choice the country made. I've said many times: You can't love your country only when you win. You can't love your neighbor only when you agree,” Biden remarked, reflecting on the electoral outcome.

During a phone call with Trump the day before, Biden assured the incoming president that his administration would cooperate to ensure an orderly transition. “That's what the American people deserve,” he said.

Biden also commended Vice President Harris for her dedicated campaign efforts and described her as a valued partner and public servant who showcased her “great character.” Despite Biden’s early lead, he withdrew from the 2024 race in July and endorsed Harris following internal pressure from Democrats after a particularly poor debate performance.

Reflecting on America’s enduring debates and ideological struggles, Biden acknowledged the mixed emotions following the election results. “For some people, it's a time for victory - to state the obvious. For others, it's a time of loss,” he noted. He reminded his staff of the administration’s achievements, highlighting the bipartisan infrastructure law, and urged them to make the best use of their remaining time in office.

With a message of resilience and perseverance, Biden encouraged Democrats to continue their efforts, echoing sentiments shared by Harris in her concession speech. "Let's make every day count. That’s the responsibility we have to the American people," he encouraged, emphasizing that while setbacks are inevitable, giving up is not an option. “A defeat does not mean we are defeated. We lost this battle - the America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up. We're going to be OK, but we need to stay engaged, we need to keep going. And above all, we need to keep the faith.”