Former Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin, now an Independent, urged his former party to accept President Donald Trump’s victory and work with him.
In a BBC interview, Manchin said, “Trump is the leader of our country… I want him to succeed.” Known for his blunt criticism of Democrats, he said he wants to help Trump avoid past mistakes.
Manchin criticized Democrats’ focus on deported MS-13 member Kilmar Ábrego García, saying Republicans should let Democrats keep highlighting such cases. He argued Trump is fulfilling promises and urged Democrats to shift attention to the \$36 trillion national debt.
Manchin proposed a six-year presidential term and term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court. Before retiring, he blasted President Biden for commuting the sentences of two murderers, calling the decision “misguided” and disrespectful to victims’ families who had pleaded against clemency.
