Palm Beach, FL – May 17, 2025
Palm Beach, FL — In a stunning shift that could reshape American political discourse, former President Donald J. Trump acknowledged Friday that the 2020 presidential election was not rigged, reversing years of unfounded claims that the race was stolen from him. Speaking candidly during a press event at Mar-a-Lago, Trump expressed regret for fueling division and signaled a desire to help heal the nation.
“I didn’t like the outcome. I was angry, frustrated — like many people. But the truth is, the election wasn’t stolen,” Trump said. “I lost, and that’s something I had a hard time accepting. But for the good of the country, it’s time to move forward.”
The remarks mark a dramatic departure from the former president’s long-standing position. Since November 2020, Trump had repeatedly claimed widespread voter fraud. His comments today, while not erasing the events of the past, signal a potentially significant moment of accountability.
“I’ve spoken to many people, looked at the facts again, and I’ve come to terms with what happened,” Trump said. “I should’ve handled my loss differently. I let my emotions get the better of me.”
While Trump stopped short of issuing a full apology, his admission was the clearest acknowledgment yet of the legitimacy of the Biden presidency. He said he intends to focus on policy issues going forward, including border security and the economy, but emphasized that he no longer wants to dwell on grievances.
“It’s not about me anymore,” Trump said. “It’s about America. If we’re going to move forward, we have to stop relitigating the past and start building a better future — together.”
The announcement drew mixed reactions across the political spectrum. President Joe Biden, speaking at a separate event in Delaware, said he welcomed Trump’s statement.
“I think it’s a good thing for the country when leaders acknowledge the truth,” Biden said. “We have serious challenges ahead, and unity starts with honesty.”
Several Republican lawmakers, some of whom had distanced themselves from Trump’s election claims, praised the former president for what they called a “courageous step.”
“This is what leadership looks like,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). “It’s never easy to admit you were wrong, especially on such a big stage.”
Still, staunch Trump loyalists appeared divided. Some expressed disappointment, while others said they respected his transparency.
“We followed him because he told it like it is,” said Carl Jensen, a longtime Trump supporter from Iowa. “If this is his truth now, I’ll listen.”
Historians and political analysts are already weighing the implications of Trump’s statement, noting that it could ease polarization — or at least open the door to a new era of political accountability.
“This could be a turning point,” said Dr. Meredith Collins, a political historian at the University of Chicago. “Trump admitting the election wasn’t rigged may not change everyone’s mind, but it changes the conversation.”
As the 2024 election cycle fades into history, and the 2028 race looms on the horizon, Trump left one final message:
“I’ve made mistakes, and I own them,” he said. “But I still love this country with all my heart. Let’s move forward — stronger, smarter, and more united than ever.”
A More Empathetic World 