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Trump Breaks with Presidential Tradition
Formal presidential concession speeches were not always a thing, and date back to the election of 1896, when Republican William McKinley defeated Democrat William Jennings Bryan. Until that time, presidents who lost their reelection left the White House quietly. When William Jennings Bryan learned, his loss was certain, he sent a telegram to McKinley congratulating him, “We have submitted the issue to the American people and their will is law.” Ever since, the public concession by a president has played a key role in the peaceful transfer of power. Even after the most divisive elections — from the Civil War to Bush v. Gore — the American people’s vote has been respected and democracy upheld.
Until now.
With each passing day that Trump refuses to accept the election outcome, America is finding itself in uncharted waters. There has never been a president in American history that has refused to concede after losing their election. And with less than 50 days to go until Biden’s inauguration questions are swirling around, what happens if Trump doesn’t formally concede?
Under the 20th Amendment, a president’s term expires at noon on January 20th. While formal concessions have been precedent since 1896, there are no legal ramifications should Trump refuse to concede. It is also important to note Trump’s refusal to concede does not…
