'Just beginning': Trump's defiant words in farewell speech
Defiant outgoing US President Donald Trump has delivered a warning to Americans more is yet to come while wishing the incoming Biden administration luck.
In his farewell speech released on Tuesday (local time), Trump said his movement was “just beginning” while attempting to highlight his administration’s successes.
“This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous,” he said in an excerpt released by the White House.
“Now, as I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning.
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“There's never been anything like it. The belief that a nation must serve its citizens will not dwindle but instead only grow stronger by the day."
Despite losing the election by a considerable margin, he received a record number of popular votes for a defeated presidential candidate, only reasserting the US’s deep-rooted divisions.
Trump has failed to admit defeat in the election, with his baseless claims of electoral fraud inciting thousands of Trump supporters to march on Capitol Hill, leading to the deadly riots of January 6.
His actions led to him becoming the first president to be impeached twice, and while in his statement he condemned the violence at the US Capitol, his comments will likely be well received by his dedicated supporters.
Former Republican policy advisor Lanhee Chen said Trump’s message suggested he may still hold belief he has a future in politics.
“[Trump] is trying to set the stage for what he might do next... hinting at a future career or additional forays into American politics,” he told Channel Seven’s Sunrise.
Trump fails to mention Biden
During the address, Trump does not mention his successor, Democrat Joe Biden, by name.
Trump refers to the “next” and “new” administration in the nearly 20-minute speech taped in the White House Blue Room, on the eve of Biden’s inauguration.
In what may have been an attempt to repair his tarnished reputation, he offered his well-wishes to the incoming administration.
"We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck - a very important word,” he said.
He spent much of the address detailing what he believes are his successes during his four years as president.
“We did what we came to do and so much more,” Trump said.
"I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices – because that's what you elected me to do."
Trump noted Middle East peace deals his administration brokered and lauded his foreign policy agenda.
"We revitalised our alliances and rallied the nations of the world to stand up to China like never before," he said.
"I am especially proud to be the first president in decades who has started no new wars."
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Trump has remained largely out of sight since his supporters stormed the Capitol building, trying to halt the peaceful transfer of power.
Aides had urged him to spend his final days in office participating in a series of legacy-burnishing events.
But Trump, who remains consumed with anger and grievance over his election loss, largely refused.
He has not been seen in public since last week, when he travelled to Texas for one last photo opportunity at the border wall he pushed so adamantly throughout his presidency.
Trump is expected to spend much of his final full day in office issuing a raft of pardons.
Trump is set to leave Washington early Wednesday morning after a grand farewell event at nearby Joint Base Andrews, however it is unclear how many people will be in attendance.
He has refused to attend Biden’s inauguration.
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