President Joe Biden on Thursday morning, addressed the nation for the first time since Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris.

“In a democracy, the will of the people always prevails,” Biden stated early in his remarks.

Biden shared that he had spoken with Trump, assuring him that his administration would support a “peaceful and orderly transition,” noting this is what the public deserves. This gesture subtly referenced Trump’s refusal to concede in 2020 when he lost the election. Trump won re-election this week.

Speaking from the Rose Garden at the White House, Biden addressed Americans and supporters following Democrat Kamala Harris’s loss to Trump. He reaffirmed confidence in the U.S. election system, describing it as “honest, fair, and transparent” and adding, “it can be trusted, win or lose.”

He concluded with a reminder that defeat is not the end. “America endures,” he said, urging continued public engagement.

Shortly after, he released a statement following Harris’s concession speech on Wednesday, commending her for an “historic campaign” amid “extraordinary circumstances.” Biden praised Harris as a “tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character.”

Some top Democrats expressed frustration over Biden’s delayed recognition of his limitations in the race, a sentiment shared privately by several advisers.

At 81, Biden had ended his reelection campaign in July, following a poor debate performance that raised doubts about his mental sharpness and stamina as a candidate. He formally withdrew on July 21 after receiving nudges from influential Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Biden endorsed Harris, transferring his campaign infrastructure to her.