President Joe Biden addressed the nation after Donald Trump’s victory

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden addressed the nation Thursday, Nov. 7, following Donald Trump’s decisive victory, calling on Americans to “accept the choice the country has made” while urging his supporters to “stand back.”

“We accept the choice the country has made,” he said in brief remarks from the White House Rose Garden. “I have said many times that you cannot love your country only when you win. You cannot love your neighbor only when you agree.”

Biden’s speech came four years after he was seen as the winner of the 2020 election against Trump, who spent years insisting the results were fraudulent and trying to overturn them.

“I will do my duty as president to uphold my oath of office and honor the Constitution. On January 20th, we will have a peaceful transfer of power here in America,” Biden said on November 7th.

Biden acknowledged that his administration’s achievements have not yet been felt by the American people and suggested it will take years for the effects to be felt. He said the legislation he signed is only now “really taking effect,” adding that $1 trillion in infrastructure work will be completed and will change the lives of people in rural communities and other struggling places.

“It will take time to do this,” he said, adding that he would leave behind “the strongest economy in the world.”

He also urged Americans disappointed by Harris’ defeat not to give up.

“Failure is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable. We all fall, but the measure of our character, as my father would say, is how quickly we rise. Remember, defeat does not mean we are defeated,” Biden said. “We lost this battle. The America of your dreams is calling you to stand up.”

Trump’s victory was a brutal blow to Democrats, who had hoped to elect Vice President Kamala Harris as their first female president. Instead, Trump expanded his base and captured several battleground states that Biden flipped in 2020: Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Harris conceded to Trump over the phone on Wednesday morning and addressed her supporters in a speech at Howard Universityher alma mater, later that day.

“Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. “I also told him that we will help him and his team with the transition and work on a peaceful transfer of power,” she said.

She added: “A fundamental tenet of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results.”

Biden also called Trump and congratulated him on his victory.

“President Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasized the importance of working to unite the country,” the White House said. “He also invited President-elect Trump to meet him at the White House. Employees will agree on a specific date in the near future.”

This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com.