Trump Concedes His Presidency is Ending

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PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP on Thursday urged calm after a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, leading to at least 5 deaths and many arrests, and acknowledged that his time as the leader of the country is coming to an end.

"To the citizens of our country, serving as your president has been the honor of my lifetime," Trump said in a video statement that could be the closest he gets to a concession. "And to all of my wonderful supporters, I know you are disappointed, but I also want you to know that our incredible journey is only just beginning."

Without naming President-elect Joe Biden, Trump said his focus now is on transitioning to a new administration.

"Now Congress has certified the results. A new administration will be inaugurated on Jan. 20. My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation."

Trump said that his campaign "vigorously pursued every legal avenue to contest the election results" but added that now tempers needed to be tamed.

"We have just been through an intense election, and emotions are high, but now tempers must be cooled, and calm restored," Trump said.

Trump did not acknowledge that his own supporters were the ones who caused destruction in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday following a speech in which he told them to go to the U.S. Capitol and call on leaders to "take back our country."

"To those who engaged in the acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country," Trump said in the statement. "And to those who broke the law, you will pay."