Washington, United States: US President Donald Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery for a somber wreath-laying ceremony shortly before 11:30 am, four days after US media projected his Democratic rival would take the White House.

Trump made his first official post-election appearance Wednesday for what should have been a moment of national unity to mark Veterans Day, now marred by his refusal to acknowledge Joe Biden’s win. Since then he has not addressed the nation other than via Twitter and a statement released to mark Veterans Day, and has not conceded to Biden, as is traditional once a winner is projected in a US vote.

With Covid-19 cases shattering records across the country and states imposing new restrictions in a push to contain the virus before winter arrives, Trump seems to have all but shelved normal presidential duties save for his brief appearance at Arlington, where he made no public remarks. Trump in his tweet on Wednesday, fresh evidence-free claims of election wins and ballot tampering, despite the consensus from international observers, world leaders, local election officials and US media that the November 3 vote was free and fair, and that there have no credible allegations of fraud. Claiming that a poll in Wisconsin on Election Day had resulted in “possibly illegal suppression” he said he was “now preparing to win the state,” which was called for Biden one week ago. “Many such ‘deplorable’ instances!” he added on Twitter.

Some Republicans were adding their voices to growing calls for the president to concede; with experts warning his refusal to do so was undermining the democratic process and holding up the transition to Biden, who takes office in January. Among them was Republican secretary of state for Montana, Corey Stapleton, who heralded the “incredible things” Trump accomplished in office. “But that time is now over. Tip your hat, bite your lip, and congratulate @JoeBiden,” he tweeted.