President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden met on Wednesday for the first time since Trump reclaimed the presidency for the smooth transition of power in January. During their meeting in the Oval Office, they sat side by side by a roaring fire, presenting a calm scene that belied the underlying tensions.
A White House official reported that the meeting lasted about two hours. Biden, who defeated Trump in the 2020 election, had withdrawn from the 2024 race in July following a debate debacle. Vice President Kamala Harris then took over as the Democratic candidate but was defeated by Trump.
“We’re looking forward to a smooth transition and will do everything we can to ensure you’re accommodated,” Biden told Trump, welcoming him back.
Trump, who will assume office on January 20, emphasized the peaceful nature of the transition. “Politics is tough and often not very nice, but today it is nice. I appreciate a transition that’s so smooth,” he said.
Reporters, eager for comments, were quickly ushered out after posing questions. This display of civility starkly contrasted past confrontations, highlighting their sharply differing views on climate change and trade with Russia.
Jill Biden, the first lady, welcomed Trump and presented him with a handwritten letter of congratulations for his wife, Melania. She also expressed her team’s readiness to assist with the transition.
Earlier in the day, Trump celebrated with Republican House members, likely retaining control of the chamber. At this gathering, Trump also announced billionaire Elon Musk’s appointment as co-leader of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.
Despite intentions for a seamless transition, some aspects have stalled. Trump’s team has been slow to finalize agreements essential for accessing government resources, as the Presidential Transition Act outlines. Outside, preparations for Trump’s inauguration were already visible, and White House staff gathered to watch his arrival.
While the official meeting agenda covered various topics, including foreign policy, specific discussions were not disclosed. Biden and Trump were expected to discuss U.S. support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia, a key topic given Trump’s previous statements about ending the war swiftly.
