President Biden addressed the nation from the Rose Garden on Thursday, following Vice President Kamala Harris’s concession of the 2024 presidential election to President-elect Trump.

In his brief remarks, Biden revealed he had spoken with Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him and assure him that the Biden administration would cooperate fully to “ensure a peaceful and orderly transition.”

“That’s what the American people deserve,” Biden emphasized.

The president also commended Harris for running “an inspiring campaign” and praised her “great character” and “backbone like a ramrod.”

Biden looks the happiest he has ever been during his presidency. pic.twitter.com/ZmuUxlnKK0

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 7, 2024

Trump secured a commanding victory, garnering more than 72 million votes, at least 295 Electoral College votes, and a majority of the national popular vote. Harris obtained 226 Electoral College votes and more than 68 million votes, with ballots still being tallied in several states.

The election results concluded a tumultuous campaign season. Biden, after winning the Democratic primary, eventually stepped aside at the urging of his party following a challenging debate against Trump in June. Harris, who had not secured any primary votes, was then nominated unopposed to lead the Democratic ticket.

Throughout the campaign, Harris and Biden frequently criticized Trump, labeling him a “fascist” and warning that his reelection could endanger democracy and the American people. However, after Trump’s decisive victory, Biden shifted his message to focus on unity.

Speaking from the Rose Garden, Biden described elections as “a contest of competing visions” and stressed the importance of accepting the nation’s choice.

“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,” Biden said. He called for Americans to view each other “not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans.”

🚨WOW: Biden comments on Trump's victory

"You can't love your country only when you win. Something I hope we can do is see each other as fellow Americans. Bring down the temperature." pic.twitter.com/xeiN9hHphI

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 7, 2024

Biden also expressed hope that the 2024 election would “lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system.”

“It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent, and it can be trusted. Win or lose,” he declared.

Harris formally conceded to Trump on Wednesday during an appearance at Howard University, her alma mater. In her remarks, she acknowledged the loss but vowed to continue the fight that fueled her campaign.

“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight,” Harris said.

In an earlier memo to staff, campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon described the defeat as “unfathomably painful.”