Just four years ago today former President Barack Obama invited then-President-elect Donald Trump to the White House to discuss a peaceful transfer of power.
“Well I just had the opportunity to have an excellent conversation with President-elect Trump. It was wide ranging. We talked about some of the organizational issues in setting up a White House. We talked about foreign policy. We talked about domestic policy,” Obama said.
He added, “My number one priority in the coming two months is to try to facilitate a transition that ensures our President-Elect is successful.”
Obama explained he was “very encouraged” by Trump’s willingness to work with his team to tackle the issues the nation was facing in 2016.
Watch his comments below:
Today 4 years ago: "My number one priority in the coming two months is to try to facilitate a transition that ensures our President-Elect is successful."
— Benjamin Alvarez (@BenjAlvarez1) November 10, 2020
President @BarackObama welcoming @realDonaldTrump to the White House. pic.twitter.com/E3PYhFzmTw
Speaking to Trump, Obama said, “I want to emphasize to you, Mr. President-elect, that we now are going to want to do everything we can to help you succeed because if you succeed, then the country succeeds.”
Trump has yet to extend a White House invitation to President-elect Joe Biden.
The president has not conceded the election.
While some have urged Trump to move on, others have encouraged him to fight back.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said during an appearance on Fox News, “We will work with Biden if he wins, but Trump has not lost. Do not concede, Mr. President. Fight hard,” as IJR previously reported.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is not ready to help Biden take office.
“There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration,” Pompeo said during a press conference, as IJR previously reported.
Graham suggested Trump should run again in 2024.
“I would encourage President Trump, if after all this he does fall short or he just can’t quite get there to not let this movement die. To consider running again,” Graham said.
The Trump administration will be investigating allegations of widespread voter fraud and other irregularities.