President Joe Biden is firmly criticizing what he labels an “unrelenting effort” to downplay the events of January 6, 2021, when a mob of supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in a bid to halt the certification of the 2020 election. In his recent opinion piece published in HuffPost, Biden marked that day as one of “violent insurrectionists” attacking the heart of American democracy.

Biden expressed pride in how democracy withstood that assault, stating, “We should be proud that our democracy withstood this assault,” while assuring that no such chaotic disruptions are expected this time around. As Congress prepares to reconvene under less contentious circumstances, Vice President Kamala Harris will preside over the certification of Trump’s victory amid harsh Washington winter weather, a return to a U.S. tradition that endorses the peaceful transfer of power.

Despite Trump’s ongoing claims regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 election, Biden emphasized that “after what we all witnessed on Jan. 6, 2021, we know we can never again take it for granted.” He steered clear of directly addressing Trump but noted, “an unrelenting effort has been underway to rewrite — even erase — the history of that day,” urging the public not to forget the events that transpired.

He stressed the importance of retelling history accurately, “To tell us we didn’t see what we all saw with our own eyes, we cannot allow the truth to be lost.” Biden affirmed that the upcoming certification would be conducted peacefully and publicly invited the incoming president to the White House for the occasion.

Biden also reflected on the necessity of remembering January 6 as a pivotal moment in American democracy, stating, “We should commit to remembering Jan. 6, 2021, every year.” Drawing a line under the importance of democratic resilience, he cautioned, “To remember that democracy — even in America — is never guaranteed.”

In light of ongoing discussions about the transition of power, Biden remarked from the White House, reiterating that the smooth transfer of power remains his administration's priority, contrasting it with the tumultuous events surrounding his own inauguration. He concluded by addressing the unfolding reality, saying, “I think what he did was a genuine threat to democracy. I’m hopeful we’re beyond that now.”

As the nation prepares for the inauguration, Biden's remarks serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic processes and the importance of safeguarding historical truths. You can read more about his views in the full articles from AP News and HuffPost.