WASHINGTON:
President-elect Donald Trump visited the White House on Wednesday for the first time since his election win, meeting with President Joe Biden to discuss the upcoming transfer of power. The meeting marked a stark contrast to their past political rivalry, with Biden offering Trump a smooth transition and ensuring all accommodations would be made. Trump acknowledged the process, stating, “It’ll be as smooth as it can get.”
Despite their past clashes, with Biden often criticizing Trump’s threat to democracy and Trump accusing Biden of incompetence, the meeting was cordial. Trump, who had denied Biden’s 2020 victory with baseless fraud claims, was welcomed by Biden in the Oval Office.
Earlier in the day, Trump celebrated his party’s success in the House of Representatives, while Biden, who had initially run against Trump in 2024 before stepping down for Vice President Kamala Harris, welcomed him into the Oval Office. Biden’s invitation reflected his belief in the peaceful transfer of power, a norm he wanted to uphold despite Trump’s refusal to do the same in 2020.
Construction for Trump’s inauguration was already underway outside the White House, signaling the looming transition. However, progress on the transition itself has been slow, with Trump’s team yet to sign agreements for office space and access to government facilities. These agreements, governed by the Presidential Transition Act, are crucial for initiating the transition.
As the two leaders met, they were expected to discuss various issues, including foreign policy, with Biden possibly encouraging Trump to continue supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia. However, Trump’s stance on the war remains unclear. This meeting was the first since their June debate, which raised concerns about Biden’s age, leading to Harris taking over as the Democratic nominee after Biden’s departure from the race.
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