The tweet is terse.
Rarely for Donald Trump, he does not use capital letters.
"To all those who have asked, I will not attend the oath taking on January 20," the US president announced on Friday January 8.
A first in the recent history of the United States when he had promised the day before a transition "without a hitch".
Two days after the violence that gripped Capitol Hill, rocked America and stunned the world, the Trump presidency on Friday was on the verge of implosion.
Calls for resignation, impeachment plans, fire of criticism against a president accused of having undermined the institutions and thrown oil on the fire: 12 days before the end of his mandate, Donald Trump, reclusive in the White House, is extraordinarily alone.
To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021
In a video message released Thursday evening, the stormy billionaire finally admitted his defeat, even if he did not mention any moment - let alone congratulated - his Democratic successor Joe Biden.
In this exercise intended to try to save the end of his mandate, he also denounced "an odious attack" on the Capitol, without ever evoking his responsibility in this drama which has permanently tarnished the image of America throughout the world. .
>> To read also: In the United States, the hunt for the attackers of the Capitol is open on the Internet
"Too late", reacted in unison a number of exasperated Democratic and Republican officials, while resignations from his close team and his government are increasing.
"Get on Air Force One, go to Mar-a-Lago and stay there"
Some of his critics believe the easiest way would be for the 45th President to shut up and de facto leave Vice President Mike Pence in charge until January 20, when Joe Biden will be sworn in.
For Jeh Johnson, former homeland security minister, anyone with a little influence on Donald Trump should send him a simple message: "Get on Air Force One, go to Mar-a-Lago and stay there."
"The less he will do over the last 12 days, the better," Republican Senator Ben Sasse echoed on NPR radio.
"Donald Trump lied to Americans and lies have consequences."
The Wall Street Journal, owned by magnate Rupert Murdoch, who was an ally of Trump, in an editorial called on the latter to take responsibility and resign.
"It's better for everyone, including himself, if he goes away quietly."
From his stronghold of Wilmington, Delaware, Joe Biden took on, without delay, the role of leader in charge of healing the wounds of a battered America which, according to him, lived "one of the darkest days" of his history.
Donald Trump has, for four years, "multiplied the assaults" against American democratic institutions and his campaign "culminated" Wednesday, he accused.
The leading Democrats urged Mike Pence to declare, with a government majority, that Donald Trump was "unfit" to perform his duties, based on the 25th Amendment to the Constitution.
Mike Pence, however, is not in favor of it because he fears that tensions will escalate, according to a relative quoted in the New York Times.
A new impeachment?
Congress could also launch an impeachment procedure.
A group of elected Democrats in the House of Representatives, controlled by their party, were preparing to present articles of "impeachment".
“What happened on Capitol Hill was an insurgency against the United States, instigated by the president,” said Democratic Senators Leader Chuck Schumer.
He "cannot stay in power one more day."
Echoing this, Nancy Pelosi, Democratic President of the House of Representatives, considered that removing Donald Trump was an "emergency of the utmost importance.
In a tweet sent Friday morning, Donald Trump did not mention the calls for resignation, but assured that the "75 million great American patriots who voted" for him would have "a HUGE VOICE in the future".
"They will in no case be treated unfairly !!!", he added.
The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future.
They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form !!!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021
The images taken from inside the majestic building will mark history: elected officials wearing gas masks, plainclothes police officers with guns in hand, demonstrators in the offices of parliamentarians.
Four protesters died during the incidents, including a woman hit by a bullet fired by police, and a police officer died of her injuries Thursday night in hospital.
Heavily criticized for his lack of anticipation, Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund has tendered his resignation.
Justice has started the hunt for those responsible.
According to Washington Federal Prosecutor Michael Sherwin, 55 cases were opened in 36 hours.
"This is only the beginning," he said, explaining that hundreds of agents scoured social networks to identify the actors of this coup.
Two members of the government, ministers of education, Betsy DeVos, and transport, Elaine Chao, have resigned.
"It is undeniable that your rhetoric has had an impact on the situation, and it is a tipping point for me," accused Ms. DeVos in a letter to Donald Trump.
Worried about this possible bleeding, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close friend of the president, urged them to "stay".
“We need you more than ever,” he said.
In the Democratic camp, criticism is increasing against these elected officials or officials who worked with Donald Trump, defended him tirelessly on television sets, including in his stubborn refusal to recognize his defeat, and today distance themselves from them. saying they are scandalized.
With AFP
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