Trump meets Biden at White House to begin transition of power

Biden welcomed Trump to the White House for a traditional Oval Office visit, a ritual Trump declined four years ago.“Donald, congratulations,” Biden said, shaking Trump’s hand and expressing his anticipation for a smooth transition. Trump thanked Biden, acknowledging the challenges of politics and expressing gratitude for the current state of affairs.

Arriving in Washington with billionaire Elon Musk, Trump met with House Republicans before an Oval Office session with Biden.Returning to the US seat of government for the first time since his election victory, Trump expressed his joy at winning.

The White House meeting between a president and president-elect is a tradition Trump declined to participate in after losing to Biden in 2020.Trump disputed his election loss and continued to spread misinformation about voter fraud. He didn’t invite Biden to the White House or attend his inauguration, breaking a 155-year tradition.

Biden remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition despite criticizing Trump as a threat to democracy and the nation’s values.In the aftermath of the election, the president abandoned his dire warnings about Trump, assuring the American people that the experiment endures and they will be okay.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized Biden’s commitment to an effective and efficient transition, stating it’s both the norm and the right thing to do for the American people. Traditionally, the first lady hosts her successor upstairs, but Melania Trump wasn’t attending, expressing encouragement for her husband’s return to the Oval Office to commence the transition process.