Donald Trump will return to the White House as the 47th President-elect of the United States. After the general election on November 5, which was anticipated to be the closest in the country’s history, the Republican won with a wide margin of victory over his opponent, the Democratic Vice President, Kamala Harris.

With more than 72.7 million popular votes and 295 electoral votes, Trump crossed the finish line to ascend to the presidency of the United States once again. His opponent, Kamala Harris, won over 68 million popular votes and 226 electoral votes.

Shortly before surpassing the necessary electoral votes, Trump delivered a victory speech from the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida; while Kamala Harris put an end to her watch party, saying that she would not address the nation until the following day, when she accepted her defeat and gave her speech at Howard University in Washington D.C.

President Joe Biden did the same on Thursday morning, November 7, from the Rose Garden of the White House.

Joe Biden on Trump’s victory: ‘There will be a peaceful transition of power’

At around 11:30 a.m. ET, the Democratic leader took to the White House Rose Garden to address the press and the nation. During his speech, Biden confirmed having been in direct contact with Trump the day before to acknowledge his victory.

“The people vote and choose their own leaders and they do it peacefully. And we’re in a democracy, the will of the people always prevails,” he started off his speech.

“Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. And I assured him that I’d direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition,” Biden shared, adding that he had also spoken with Harris, whom he recognized for her “great character, true character.”

“She ran an inspiring campaign and everyone got to see something that I’ve learned early on to respect so much, her character. She has a backbone like a ramrod, she has great character, true character,” Biden explained. “She gave her whole heart and true effort. And she and her entire team should be proud the campaign they ran.”

He then gave a eulogy to the spirit of the United States. “The struggle for the soul of America, from the very founding, has always been an ongoing debate that is still vital today,” he said. “I know for some people it’s a time for victory to state the obvious. For others it’s a time of loss. Campaigns are contests, of competing visions. The country choses one or the other. We accept the choice the country made.”

“I’ve said many times, you can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree,” the president continued. “Something I hope we can do no matter who you voted for is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans. Bring down the temperature.”

“I was hoping to lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system. It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent. It can be trusted. Win or lose,” he added.

He then shared another desire that he has. “I also hope that we can restore the respect for all our election workers, who busted their necks, took risks at the outset. We should thank them, thank them for staffing voting sights, counting the votes, protecting the very integrity of the election.”

“Many of them are volunteers, who simply do it out of love for their country. And as they did, as they did their duty as citizens, I will do my duty as president. I’ll fulfil my oath and I will honor the constitution. On January 20th, we’ll have a peaceful transfer of power here in America,” he declared.

President Biden thanked his staff for their service and effort over the past four years telling them that even though this electoral defeat is not easy to take but that they should be proud of what they’ve done. “Don’t forget how much we accomplished, it’s been an historic presidency. Not because I’m president but because of what we’ve done. What you’ve done. A presidency of all Americans,” he told them.

He pointed out that some of their work is just beginning to be felt, but much of it won’t be felt for a decade. “Together we’ve changed America for the better.”

He also reminded them that there is still work to do. “We have 74 days to finish the term. Our term. Let’s make everyday count. That’s the responsibility we have to the American people.”

He then wrapped up his speech with a prep talk. “Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable. We all get knocked down but the measure of our character, as my dad would say is how quickly we get back up,” Biden said.

“Remember, a defeat does not mean we are defeated. We lost this battle. The America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up,” he added. “That’s the story of America for over 240 years and counting. It’s a story for all of us, not just some of us.”

“The American experiment endures. We’re going to be OK, but we need to stay engaged. We need to keep going. Above all we need to keep the faith,” Biden concluded.