US President-elect Joe Biden welcomed the decision of outgoing President Donald Trump not to attend the inauguration ceremony, describing Trump as ineligible for power, blaming him for the responsibility of his supporters storming the Congress building, stressing his readiness to take over the presidency.
At a news conference in Wilmington, Delaware, on Friday, Biden said he had long believed Trump was unfit to take power.
In response to a question about legislation that Democrats in the House of Representatives are preparing to hold Trump accountable in preparation for impeachment, Biden said, "This is a matter for the House, but we must prepare to start our work as quickly as possible."
He added that the matter is not about isolating Trump, but rather how to continue to hold him accountable for what he has done, considering that the damage caused by the president to his country's reputation around the world must be investigated.
Biden added that the fastest way for Trump to leave the White House is to install him and Vice President Kamala Harris on January 20.
The president-elect praised Trump's decision not to attend the inauguration ceremony, and said, "It is a good thing," considering that one of the few things in which he agrees with him, while affirming that the presence of Vice President Mike Pence is "welcome."
Regarding the attack on Congress, Biden said that those who stormed Congress are "local thugs and terrorists, and they have received active encouragement from the President."
Biden also expressed his sympathy with the family of a congressional policeman, who died of injuries sustained during Trump's supporters storming the building on Wednesday, and said, "Those responsible for this should be held accountable, and they will be held accountable."
CNN has quoted a security official as saying that federal prosecutors have launched an investigation into a "murder" after the death of Police Officer Brian Seknick in hospital from his wounds.
His next plan
In the context of preparing for the transition of power, Biden said, "I have finished appointing my government staff, and are ready to work from the first day. I will speak with Nancy Pelosi and the leaders of the Democratic Party this evening about my agenda."
Biden considered that the security agencies' candidates must be appointed as soon as possible in order to avoid a power gap.
"Upon assuming the presidency, I will present an immigration bill, and I will work to reverse Trump's decisions in a number of areas," he added.
Biden expressed confidence that the transfer of power would proceed, whether before or after the storming of Congress.
He said, "Next week I will be with you to draft the next economic recovery package."
Biden confirmed to reporters that his focus is now on containing the Corona pandemic and ensuring an acceleration of the vaccination program and support for the economy, considering that his country is experiencing one of the worst unfair financial crises in its history.
The next president stressed the need to provide more financial aid to companies and families, and saw that the amount of $ 600 is not sufficient as aid for those affected by Corona.
"Our focus in economic recovery will be on small companies and those owned by minorities," he added.
Biden considered that the companies owned by African Americans did not have an adequate share of financial aid.
He also promised to investigate suspicions of fraud and waste aid money and hold those involved in these actions to account.
Meeting Pompeo
On the other hand, a senior State Department official said that Secretary Mike Pompeo met Friday with Biden's candidate, Anthony Blinken, to "facilitate an orderly transition process, and to ensure the protection of American interests abroad."
"Their meeting was very fruitful," the official added, noting that Pompeo, Blinken and their teams "will continue to work together for America's benefit during the transition period."
Biden's team had previously communicated with his counterpart in the State Department, but to a limited extent, especially since Pompeo made a surprise move when he promised, just days after the presidential elections, that a "smooth transition" would take place to a "second" term for Trump.