Obama seeks smooth transition of power with Trump

By Esra Kaymak Avci

WASHINGTON (AA) – President Barack Obama pledged Wednesday to work with President-elect Donald Trump for a smooth transition of power.

Obama said despite profound differences with his Republican predecessor, George W. Bush, the transfer of administrations was professional and smooth.

"It is not a secret that the president-elect and I have some pretty significant differences, but remember eight years ago President Bush and I had some pretty significant differences," Obama said while addressing the nation from the White House.

He said that he ordered his team to follow the example of Bush's team, stressing that the peaceful transition of power was one of the "hallmarks" of the U.S. democracy.

First and foremost everyone was American before a Democrat or Republican, the president said, a sentiment he believes he heard in Trump’s victory speech and during a telephone call with the president-elect.

"That’s what the country needs, a sense of unity, a sense of inclusion, a respect for our institutions, our way of life, rule of law, and respect for each other," he said. "I hope he maintains that spirit throughout the transition."

Obama also thanked Clinton for her campaign and said he was proud of her.

Earlier Wednesday, Obama congratulated Trump in the telephone call and invited him Thursday to the White House.

Meanwhile, House speaker Paul Ryan said Trump "turned politics on its head" but promised to work "hand in hand" on an agenda.

He also credited Trump for helping Republicans retain control of Congress and said for the first time since 1984, Trump won Wisconsin for Republicans.

Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter released a memorandum for pentagon employees in which he thanked them for standing apart from politics during the campaign and focusing only to provide security.

"I'm committed to overseeing the orderly transition to the next Commander in Chief," he said.

Trump will take the oath of office Jan. 20 as the 45th President of the United States.