Amid growing calls to impeach or forcibly remove him from office, Trump posted a Twitter video after he regained access to his account to condemn the violence and call for reconciliation.
The President said that he was “outraged by the violence, lawlessness, and mayhem,” and insisted that he was the one to deploy the National Guard amid the attack on the Capitol and not Vice President Pence as many early reports suggested.
“My campaign vigorously pursued every legal avenue to contest the election results,” Trump said. “My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote.”
He continued: “Now, Congress has certified the results. A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power.”
The President concluded the brief address by pledging for “healing and reconciliation” and for tempers to “be cooled.”
“I know you are disappointed,” he told his supporters. “But I also want you to know that our incredible journey is only just beginning.”