Former Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is adding his name to the long list of Americans encouraging President Donald Trump to accept the election results.
While speaking at Bank of America’s virtual European Credit Conference, Ryan stressed, the “attacks on our voting system really need to stop, in my opinion,” as Politico first reported.
He called arguments put forth by Trump’s lawyers surrounding allegations of widespread voter fraud “baseless conspiracy theories.”
Ryan noted the General Services Administration “ascertained the election” and President-elect Joe Biden can now begin to transition into office.
“The outcome will not be changed, and it will only serve to undermine our faith in our system of government, our faith in our democracy,” Ryan said.
He added, “I know firsthand what it’s like to lose a national election, and it is a terrible feeling. It is not pleasant, and I know there are a lot of people in this country who are really disappointed.”
Ryan explained the election has concluded, and in the interest of the American people, Trump needs to accept the results.
“So, the election is over. The outcome is certain, and I really think the orderly transfer of power – that is one of the most uniquely fundamental American components of our political system,” Ryan said.
He continued, “I really think it’s in the president’s best interest to acknowledge these things and not just have the GSA technically facilitate the transfer of power, but to embrace the transfer of power, the system we have. I think it’s in his best interest and clearly in the American people’s best interest to do that.”
Notable Republicans involved in calling on Trump to concede include Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R).
The General Services Administration has officially acknowledged Biden’s transition, as IJR previously reported.
