Joe Biden says transfer of power to Donald Trump will be ‘peaceful and orderly’

US President Joe Biden on Thursday asked Kamala Harris’s supporters not to give up in the wake of defeat as he promised a “peaceful and orderly transition” of power to president-elect Donald Trump.

“Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable,” Biden said in his first public address since Tuesday’s stinging national election losses for his Democratic Party.

“Yesterday, I spoke with president-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory, and I assured him that I direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition,” Biden said.

The president also commended Harris for running an “inspiring” campaign and for having a “backbone like a ramrod”. In a statement on Wednesday, Biden said that picking her as his running mate in 2020 was the “best decision” he made.

He also reassured the country of the electoral system’s integrity. “It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent, and it can be trusted, win or lose,” he said.

He then reminded Americans of the “historic” accomplishments under his leadership, highlighting his infrastructure legislation that is “changing people’s lives in rural communities”.