WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump accepted a formal US transition should begin for President-elect Joe Biden to take office, BBC has said.

Trump said he was recommending a key federal agency “do what needs to be done”, even as he pledged to continue contesting the result.

The General Services Administration said it was acknowledging Biden as the “apparent winner”, according to BBC.

Earlier, Biden’s victory in the US state of Michigan was officially certified.

The Biden team has welcomed the start of the transition process.

“Today’s decision is a needed step to begin tackling the challenges facing our nation, including getting the pandemic under control and our economy back on track,” its statement said.

President Trump has tweeted: “Nevertheless, in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same.”

(With inputs from Agencies)