My fellow Americans, I am about to do something I have never done before: apologize. I know this might shock you, but I've come to realize it may be the only way to save my presidency, and my marriage.

First, I want to apologize to my wife, Melania, for treating her so badly. I cheated on her while she was caring for our infant son, Barron, and for that I will always feel shame.

Next, I want to apologize to the many women I have physically abused and assaulted over the years, groping them without their consent, and worse. I was a sexual predator with no limits, and I'm ashamed of the way I behaved and for the trauma I inflicted on so many.

Over the years I've also demeaned and insulted Muslims, Hispanics, women, Blacks, Black women, the disabled, our military, our war dead, as well as their surviving families. It is a record of shameful and bigoted attacks and I regret every single thing I've said in that regard. And a special apology to the family of John McCain. I wouldn't have lasted two seconds in the Hanoi Hilton.

I also apologize to the millions of people who have been bilked out of money they spent on my many business schemes or merchandising scams. I took advantage of you, and I'm sorry.

My apologies to the many contractors and sub-contractors and developers who I've cheated and sued over the years. I was ruthless and without scruples and I regret it all.

I also want to apologize to the entire nation for dismissing the threat of Covid when I knew it was going to be a deadly plague. I could have saved hundreds of thousands of lives had I acted sooner and not ridiculed the experts.

And I want to apologize to the world for calling global warming a hoax and reversing years of positive steps to fight it. I guess I should include in my apology all the generations to come after us, for they will suffer as our planet continues to boil.

Finally, I want to apologize for lying. I've lied about practically everything, but the worst lie was claiming victory in the 2020 presidential election when it was clear to everyone, including me, that I'd lost by over seven million votes. And then, on Jan. 6, I watched for more than three hours as my supporters assaulted the Capitol, beat up policemen, and threatened the lives of the Vice President and the Speaker of the House, all in an attempt to keep me in power. And I sent them there and I goaded them on. It will always be a deep stain on my legacy. I am ashamed.

In closing, I am asking you for your forgiveness. I am asking you for a second chance. And I hope you will consider it.

Thank you for your attention to this matter!