In a show of civility and commitment to democratic norms, President Joe Biden welcomed President-elect Donald Trump back to the White House on Wednesday for the first time since Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election. The two leaders met in the Oval Office, marking a stark contrast to Trump’s refusal to meet Biden following his own electoral loss four years ago.
“Welcome back,” Biden, 81, said to Trump, 78, as they shook hands in front of a roaring fire. Biden, who withdrew from his re-election campaign in July, pledged a “smooth transition” as Trump prepares to assume office following Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent loss to Trump.
Trump struck a conciliatory tone, acknowledging the intensity of politics but expressing gratitude for the warm reception. “Politics is tough… but it is a nice world today and I appreciate it very much,” Trump remarked, promising the “smoothest” transition possible despite some outstanding administrative tasks before his January 20 inauguration.
Notably absent was incoming First Lady Melania Trump, who had a low profile during Trump’s campaign and first term. Outgoing First Lady Jill Biden welcomed Trump alone and presented him with a handwritten note for Melania.
The meeting marks a return to the presidential transition tradition that Trump bypassed in 2020. Biden used the opportunity to discuss continuity in U.S. support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia—a matter on which Trump has expressed skepticism.
Trump’s return to the White House comes as he heads into his second term with strong support within his party and the expectation of securing both chambers of Congress. Speaking to House Republicans earlier, Trump even hinted at a possible third term, despite constitutional limits.
The former reality TV star has promised bold action from day one, assembling a team of loyalists, including business magnate Elon Musk to oversee government spending cuts, and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his pick for Defense Secretary. Additionally, he nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as head of Homeland Security.
The meeting between Biden and Trump highlights a renewed attempt at bipartisanship amid a turbulent political landscape, as Trump prepares to assume leadership with a strong mandate from his party and bold ambitions for the nation.
