US Capitol riot ‘should not be rewritten’, says Biden ahead of Trump’s election certification
World news | On the eve of Trump's election certification, Biden accuses him of undermining democracy, spotlighting the escalating political divide and contentious electoral process.
Ahead of the anniversary of the US Capitol riot, US President Joe Biden said on Sunday (Jan 5) that the events of January 6, 2021, should not be forgotten or “rewritten”.
Biden took a jab at the President-elect, saying that what Trump did was a threat to democracy.
This comes a day before Trump’s second term in office is set to be certified by the US Congress.
“I don't think we should pretend it [Capitol riot] didn't happen,” he told reporters in the White House East Room.
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Following Biden’s victory in the 2020 elections, Trump, who was president at the time, called for Congress and the vice president to block the Democrat's certification.
He falsely alleged that widespread election fraud had led to his defeat.
On the election certification day, which falls on 6 January as per law, Trump supporters rallied outside the White House before attacking the Capitol building.
Biden’s certification was then forced to be delayed until the next morning.
“I think what he did was a genuine threat to democracy," Biden said, adding, “I’m hopeful that we’re beyond it.”
“I think it should not be rewritten, I don't think it should be forgotten,” he said during the press conference.
Also read | US top diplomat Blinken arrives in Seoul as impeached President Yoon fights arrest over martial law bid
A peaceful transition
Biden also highlighted his efforts to ensure a “smooth transition” of power.
“We’ve got to get back to basic, normal transfer of power,” he said.
Biden often referred to Trump as a threat to democracy during the 2024 presidential race, when he was running as the Democratic presidential nominee against Republican Trump before quitting the race. He had to drop out of the elections, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to challenge Trump unsuccessfully.
Unlike in the last elections four years ago, Biden accepted Trump’s win in the 2024 presidential elections and invited him to the White House for a sit-down as a symbol of peaceful power transfer.
Trump is set to return to the White House for his second term as the US president following his swearing-in ceremony on January 20.
(With inputs from agencies)
