Former US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that he did not win the 2020 election, stating 'I didn't win the election' during a video interview with a panel of historians. The admission came in a session convened by Princeton professor Julian Zelizer, editor of a book on Trump's presidency, and was published by The Atlantic on Monday.
In the interview, Trump claimed that world leaders including Iran, China, and South Korea were pleased with Joe Biden's victory. He specifically mentioned South Korean President Moon Jae-in, saying he was among the 'happiest' as Trump had sought $5bn annually for US military assistance. 'By not winning the election, he was the happiest man,' Trump said, adding that Iran was the happiest, followed by China.
Trump's refusal to accept defeat had previously led to numerous legal challenges and the January 6 Capitol riot. He was impeached for inciting insurrection but acquitted by the Senate. Despite the admission, Trump remains eligible for the 2024 presidential race and has hinted at a potential run.
Zelizer noted that Trump seemed to seek historians' approval without understanding their methods. Shortly after the session, Trump announced he would no longer give interviews for books about his administration, calling such writers 'bad people' who ignore facts.
