US President Donald Trump, ( File photo)
Washington: An embattled Trump chose reconciliation over confrontation following criticism from the length and breadth of American society for whipping up frenzy.
At length accepting defeat in polls, the out-going president appealed for " healing and reconciliation" while offering 'smooth transition' of power to President-elect Joe Biden.
In video message Trump 'voiced outrage' at violent scenes at US Capitol that disrupted the process of affirming Joe Biden's election win.
The macabre scenes brought disgrace to one of the world's most stable democracies, shocking world leaders.
Finally Trump said "A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation,"
Trump's video message followed widespread calls including from Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Party leader Chuck Schumer for his quick removal from the incumbent seat, which naturally would end in two weeks.
At least one media outlet called the Wednesday's melee akin to a "coup", which was whipped up by Trump's reckless aggrieved speech over election loss, which he without evidence blamed for rigging.
His screaming followers ready for violence at the drop of a hat broke through barricades storming the Capitol and ransacked offices, as the world watched the scenes with their jaws dropped to floor.
The four-hour operation to clear the crowds witnessed shrilly cries, scuffle with police, thuds of gunfire, which left one dead and another three others also died with no information yet on how.
Trump's initial half-hearted response with no urgency invited criticism from across media, and social media platforms put on hold his account. He had to use surrogates to put across his communication on social media.
Thus, having his back on the wall, with no leeway to act on whims, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone on his Thursday's 160-second video, describing as reported in the media his sole term in office as "the honor of my lifetime'
In perhaps from a belated wisdom he said "tempers must be cooled and clam restored", and added that, the demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy. To those who engaged in the acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country".