Donald Trump has effectively conceded to Joe Biden, after the incoming president was officially confirmed as the next leader of the US by the nation’s electoral college.
The approval comes after an unprecedented day of violence at the US Capitol, with Donald Trump supporters storming the government building leaving four people dead.
Despite the chaotic events, which involved two pipe bombs being found by police in Capitol grounds, lawmakers assembled just hours after the building was cleared by police to formally confirm Biden’s election win.
A senior adviser to Donald Trump issued a statement from the outgoing president saying he “totally disagrees” with the election result but vowed there would be an orderly transition to Joe Biden’s administration.
Dan Scavino, the White House deputy chief of staff for communications, tweeted: “Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.
“I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it’s only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!”
Despite Biden’s inauguration now being just days away, there are mounting calls for Trump to be removed from office as a matter of urgency after the outgoing president incited his own supporters to march on the Capitol.
Two main routes to Trump’s removal have already been set out, with several politicians calling once again for his impeachment, while a number of news organisations including the Washington Post have urged vice president Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment – a law that would allow Pence to take over presidential duties if Trump was deemed no longer able to do his job due to sickness or disability.