Biden, Harris congratulate Trump

The sitting president and his VP have made the Republican’s victory official

US President Joe Biden has called President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him on winning the election and invite him to the White House to discuss the transition of power.

Vice-President Kamala Harris, the Democrats’ presidential nominee, has also reportedly called Trump to concede the election. She is set to give her concession speech on Wednesday afternoon.

While the full tally of votes in Tuesday’s presidential election is still being determined, Trump has won five battleground states – Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania – and is projected to carry Arizona and Nevada as well. He has already won at least 292 electoral college votes compared to 224 for Harris. It takes 270 to win the White House.

The White House told AP that Biden’s staff will coordinate a date “in the near future” with Trump’s transition team. Biden also plans to address the nation about the outcome of the election on Thursday.

Democrats pressured Biden to drop out of the race in July, citing his advanced age to swap him out for Harris at the party convention. The 81-year-old reportedly also called Harris on Wednesday to congratulate her on her campaign.

Meanwhile, Harris has called Trump to concede the election and congratulate Trump on his victory, a member of her staff told AP, speaking on condition of anonymity. Harris reportedly discussed the “importance of a peaceful transfer of power” ahead of her address to the country.

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