Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said he is willing to work with President-elect Donald Trump, and said the Republican addressed a number of vital issues to Americans.
"Donald Trump has tapped into the anger of a declining middle class that is sick and tired of establishment economics, establishment politics and the establishment media," Sanders said in a statement posted on his website.
"People are tired of working longer hours for lower wages, of seeing decent paying jobs go to China or other low-wage countries, of billionaires not paying any federal income taxes and of not being able to afford a college education for their kids — all while the very rich become much richer. "
Sanders said he would support Trump "to the degree" that he is "serious about pursuing policies that improve the lives of working families in this country, I and other progressives are prepared to work with him.
"To the degree that he pursues racist, sexist, xenophobic and anti-environment policies, we will vigorously oppose him."
The independent lawmaker was a finalist for the Democratic nomination for president, losing out to Hillary Clinton. He later became a surrogate for her on the campaign trail, opposing Trump during his appearances.
In July, Trump urged Sanders' supporters to join his side, and the Vermont senator sent out a response in a number of tweets:
Sanders supporters urge him to run for president again in 2020, when he will be 78-years-old.