November 9, 2016
Good morning.
After a long presidential election campaign season, the American people have chosen the 45th president of the United States. The results are in, Secretary Clinton has conceded, and the media outlets have announced Donald Trump as the winner.
Now that the American people have made their choice, we will see our newly elected President, House, and Senate pull together to begin their work to move the country forward.
And so I’d like to take a moment to congratulate the American people. It has been a long and contentious election campaign. There were many divisive issues in this election and it was a very competitive race. But that’s how our founders wanted it: competitive politics within the rules of the game.
I know many Lithuanians will want to know what a Trump presidency means for Lithuania. I am confident that the strong friendship between our two countries, which has lasted for decades, will continue to flourish.
There is a tradition of continuity in American politics following a presidential election. This tradition applies to American foreign policy as well, including long-standing, bipartisan support for democratic institutions, our commitment to allies in the NATO Alliance, and economic opportunity.
And so today is a celebration of ordinary people raising their voices and participating in the selection of their leaders. And in January, when the new president will take the oath of office, we will celebrate the long tradition of a peaceful transfer of power.
Thank you for being with us today to honor this occasion.
