Speaking from the White House briefing room Monday afternoon, President Obama reaffirmed the validity of Donald Trump's election as the next president and reassured Americans his White House team is working overtime to ensure a smooth transition to the next administration.
"My team stands ready to accelerate in the next steps that are required to ensure a smooth transition," Obama said. "The people have spoken, Donald Trump will be the next president."
"Hopefully it's a reminder that elections matter," he continued.
Obama held the press conference before embarking on his last overseas trip as president. When asked how he will reassure nervous world leaders about a Trump presidency, Obama said he will tell them the president-elect is committed to NATO and explained that America's standing in the world is bigger than who sits in the Oval Office.
"America has always been a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope to peoples around the globe. That's what it must continue to be," Obama said. "[Trump] expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships."
