President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump met in the Oval Office, renewing a tradition that Trump had previously skipped in 2020. The two men, seated by a fireplace, shook hands, with Biden emphasizing a “smooth transition” and promising to support Trump.
Trump thanked Biden, commenting on the challenges of politics but appreciating the smooth transition. Neither answered questions from the press.
First lady Jill Biden joined her husband in welcoming Trump and handed him a handwritten letter for Melania Trump, offering support for the transition. However, Melania Trump did not accompany her husband to Washington. Her office expressed encouragement for the transition and wished Trump success.
This meeting marked Trump’s first return to the White House since his presidency ended with election denialism.
In contrast to 2020, when Trump refused to invite Biden and skipped the inauguration, traditions of a peaceful transfer of power were restored.
Trump’s visit came after a strong electoral win, securing 312 electoral votes.
Biden had previously congratulated Trump on November 6, and his invitation to the White House underscored the importance of democratic norms.
The White House emphasized the significance of a peaceful transition for the American people. Biden had made democracy a central theme of his 2020 campaign and his reelection effort.
While details of their discussion remained private, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan indicated that they would address both domestic and foreign policy.
During his visit, Trump also met with House Republicans, who were celebrating their approach to gaining control of the White House, Senate, and House.
Speaker Mike Johnson declared a new chapter in America, with Republicans ready to implement Trump’s agenda.
