Executives from across US industry called for a peaceful transfer of power as Donald Trump refused to concede the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden... In the days before the election, business groups had signalled their concern that Mr Trump might contest the results, urging patience as all votes were counted. They reiterated their calls on Saturday after media outlets declared Mr Biden had won the election and Mr Trump refused to accept the results... Jason Oxman, chief executive of the technology trade association ITI, said, “America’s proud tradition of a peaceful transition of power must continue.” Doing so was “essential to providing certainty and stability to American workers and families and the global business community, and to furthering America’s competitiveness around the globe,” he said.

... Industry groups and individual companies were swift to present their legislative wish lists, with the chamber saying that its most urgent legislative priority was further pandemic relief, followed by investment to modernise US infrastructure... The NAM called for a “competitive” tax and regulatory system, infrastructure investment, comprehensive immigration reform, expanded trade and a “strengthened” workforce. The US Travel Association urged further stimulus for businesses that were “integral to a US economic turnround” and Microsoft set out its wish to see investments in rural broadband and digital skills. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president, also voiced hopes shared by many in the business community that a Biden administration would co-ordinate more closely with other countries on issues from climate change to regulation.