Michelle Obama's Note to Trumps and Other Leaders Ignites Discourse Over Biden Transition

Former First Lady Michelle Obama's criticism of President Donald Trump's refusal to concede the election and begin a "smooth transition of power" is reigniting discourse about the 2020 election. Obama shared the note to social media Monday, more than a week after numerous outlets named Joe Biden as the projected winner of the election and following days of the Trump campaign continuing to undermine the results of the election with what she called "groundless conspiracy theories."

In the lengthy post, Obama reflected on the 2016 election and the "hurt" and disappointment she experienced after Trump won the election against Hilary Clinton. Although the results may not have been what she had been hoping for, Obama noted that "the votes had been counted" and "the American people had spoken." She said that "one of the great responsibilities of the presidency is to listen when they do," and as such, she and her husband "instructed our staffs to do what George and Laura Bush had done for us: run a respectful, seamless transition of power—one of the hallmarks of American democracy."

Obama's candid post, which comes as Trump refuses to concede or move forward with the transition to a new administration, immediately sparked conversation on social media. Many noted, just as Obama had, the stark contrast between the transition of power in 2016 versus the transition of power now. Scroll down to see what people are saying.