An elected president, a president still in office, two separate commemorations.
Joe Biden and Donald Trump attended two separate ceremonies at the same time on Wednesday to honor veterans on Veterans Day.
Neither of them gave a speech.
Republican Trump was at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington for the traditional Veterans Tribute, where he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Almost simultaneously, Democrat Biden traveled to Philadelphia, in the northeast of the country, to a Korean War memorial, along with his wife Jill.
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In the United States, Donald Trump lost, but Trumpism is still alive and well
For the outgoing president, who has just signaled himself by sacking his defense minister, it was the first official exit since his Democratic opponent was declared, on Saturday, the winner of the November 3 election.
Grave, his face closed, Donald Trump remained stoic in the pouring rain during this traditional ceremony commemorating the end of the First World War.
Donald and Melania Trump after the ceremony / REUTERS
In a statement released by the White House, he recalled his accomplishments on behalf of American veterans since 2016. “Throughout my tenure, I have worked tirelessly to improve health, well-being and prosperity economic benefits of these precious people, ”he wrote in this statement with a balance sheet accent.
https://t.co/pBndm0Sd3M
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2020
Earlier, Joe Biden sent a message on Twitter to veterans assuring that once in office he would be a "Commander-in-Chief who respects your sacrifice, understands your service and will never betray the values you so bravely defend. ".
Today, we honor the service of those who have worn the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States.
To our proud veterans — I will be a commander in chief who respects your sacrifice, understands your service, and will never betray the values you fought so bravely to defend.
- Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 11, 2020
The Democratic candidate was declared the winner last Saturday in the November 3 presidential election based on official results and media projections.
His Republican opponent still refuses to acknowledge his own defeat, claiming without concrete evidence to support that he was the victim of fraud.
Joe and Jill Biden at the ceremony in Philadelphia, PA / REUTERS
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Like every day since the election, Donald Trump started his day on Wednesday by reiterating his accusations on Twitter.
For example, a Pennsylvania postal worker who accused state electoral authorities of fraud admitted to federal investigators that he had lied.
Reaction of the Republican President: "Believe only the truth: its original version!"
"
"Say hi, grit your teeth and congratulate Joe Biden"
Admitting his failure seems a very difficult step for the billionaire in real estate, who has built his image on the exaltation of the "winners" and the denigration of the "losers".
His attitude complicates the task of the president-elect, who will take office on January 20.
Donald Trump retains the support of the party's leaders who plead for legal remedies to be examined before he recognizes his defeat.
Its foreign minister, Mike Pompeo, thus promised a "smooth transition to a second Trump administration" Tuesday at a press conference.
I have supported you, Mr. President, we (Montana) have supported you — and @realDonaldTrump accomplished some incredible things during your time in office!
But that time is now over.
Tip your hat, bite your lip, and congratulate @JoeBiden.
Blessings on you and your family.❤️
- Corey Stapleton (@Stapleton_MT) November 7, 2020
Some Republicans, however, recognize their embarrassment, such as the party leader for the election in the state of Montana, a state won by Donald Trump.
“I supported you, Mr. President,” Corey Stapleton tweeted, “but it's over.
Say hello, grit your teeth and congratulate Joe Biden ”.
The latter began the transition to taking office by meeting Monday with several of the many foreign leaders who congratulated him on his victory.
He spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin.
He said Monday that this refusal by Donald Trump to accept his defeat was "a source of embarrassment" for the country.