Barack Obama Releases Statement On Donald Trump’s Victory In The U.S. Election

Barack Obama, along with his wife and former First Lady Michelle, released a statement on the United States’ presidential election on Wednesday night (November 6). The 44th president congratulated Donald Trump on his victory as the soon-to-be 47th chief executive of the nation and also offered a message to Trump’s opponent, Kamala Harris. The convicted Republican candidate won the popular vote for the first time across his three campaigns for president, and his Democratic opponent spoke to voters on Wednesday. In the Obamas’ statement, they emphasized their will for a peaceful transition of power and their pride in Harris and her running mate Tim Walz’s campaign.

“We want to congratulate President Trump and Senator Vance on their victory,” Barack Obama and his wife Michelle expressed. “This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues. But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view won’t always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transition of power. Michelle and I could not be prouder of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz – two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign.”

In addition, Michelle and Barack Obama thanked volunteers and staff who contributed to this election. Then, they spoke on the challenges of the United States over the past several years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuing inflation, “rapid change,” and hopelessness despite hard work. Specifically, the Hawaii native and his wife explained how the U.S. suffered a lack of trust in democratic incumbents that, on a worldwide scale, also received a negative impact based on these circumstances.

Finally, the Obamas affirmed the “good news” that folks can solve these problems through open ears, dialogue, constitutional values, and standards of democracy. Barack Obama wrote that full agreement on every issue is impossible in the diverse and large United States, and that “good faith and grace” even with folks that they staunchly oppose is what will lead to progress. He concluded his message by reflecting on the path forged so far and pointing to a future that builds a “more fair,” “more just, more equal, and more free” nation through this dialogue.