President-elect Donald Trump visited the White House on Wednesday for the first time since winning last week’s election. He met with President Joe Biden to discuss the transition of power.
Greeting Trump warmly, Biden said, “Welcome back,” and promised a smooth transition to Trump’s administration. Trump responded, “It’ll be as smooth as it can get.” This cooperative moment was a shift from the years of rivalry between the two, who have opposing views on issues like climate change, Russia, and trade.
Biden, 81, has often called Trump, 78, a threat to democracy, while Trump has questioned Biden’s competence. After losing to Biden in 2020, Trump had claimed widespread election fraud, but now both are focused on a peaceful transfer.
Before the meeting, Trump celebrated with House Republicans, who may hold their majority in Congress. “Isn’t it nice to win?” Trump remarked, expressing his excitement about the election results.
In a show of tradition, Biden invited Trump to the Oval Office, a courtesy that Trump had skipped in 2020 when Biden won. “He believes in the peaceful transfer of power,” White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said of Biden’s invitation.
The transition process is partially on hold, with Trump’s team yet to sign agreements for office space and access to government resources. Trump’s transition spokesperson, Brian Vance, said discussions with Biden’s team are ongoing.
