President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, longtime political rivals, met on Wednesday for the first time since Trump regained the White House last week, with both leaders promising a smooth transfer of power in January.
The two sat side by side before a roaring fire in the Oval Office, presenting a calm scene that contrasted with their years of political tension. Biden, a Democrat, had defeated Trump in the 2020 election but withdrew from the 2024 race in July after a difficult debate against the Republican. He passed his candidacy to Vice President Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost the election.
Biden welcomed Trump warmly, saying, “We’re looking forward to having, like we said, a smooth transition, do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated, what you need. Welcome, welcome back.”
Trump, taking office on January 20, replied, “Politics is tough, and it’s in many cases not a very nice world, but it is a nice world today, and I appreciate very much a transition that’s so smooth. It’ll be as smooth as it can get, and I very much appreciate that, Joe.”
Reporters were quickly ushered out of the room after a brief opportunity to witness the meeting. The scene was a striking departure from the often harsh words the two men had exchanged over the years, reflecting their deep policy differences on issues such as climate change, trade, and relations with Russia.
Trump’s motorcade entered through the heavily guarded White House gate, where he was greeted by Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in the Oval Office. Jill Biden gave Trump a handwritten letter for his wife, Melania Trump, and assured him of her team’s readiness to support the transition process.
Despite this show of goodwill, both men have long viewed each other with suspicion. Biden, 81, has often described Trump, 78, as a threat to democracy, while Trump has labeled Biden incompetent. Following his 2020 loss, Trump famously claimed that widespread voter fraud cost him the election.
Earlier in the day, Trump celebrated his recent election victory with Republican lawmakers who may retain control of the House of Representatives. “Isn’t it nice to win? It’s nice to win. It’s always nice to win,” Trump told the gathered Republicans, adding, “The House did very well.”
Biden, who initially entered the 2024 race to oppose Trump before endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, saw the meeting as a chance to reinforce his commitment to a peaceful transfer of power, a tradition Trump himself had previously not extended to Biden. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented on Biden’s decision, saying, “He believes in the norms, he believes in our institution, he believes in the peaceful transfer of power.”
Outside the White House, preparations for the upcoming inauguration were underway, including the construction of VIP stands for guests who will attend the January parade marking Trump’s swearing-in.
However, aspects of the transition process remain stalled. Although Trump’s team has named several cabinet members, they have not yet signed agreements required for access to office space, government equipment, and necessary information from federal agencies. According to the White House, these agreements are part of the Presidential Transition Act.
Brian Vance, a Trump transition spokesperson, said, “The Trump-Vance transition lawyers continue to constructively engage with the Biden-Harris Administration lawyers regarding all agreements contemplated by the Presidential Transition Act.” Valerie Smith Boyd, of the Partnership for Public Service’s Center for Presidential Transition, explained that the agreement is necessary for a smooth transition, enabling access to federal agencies and information.
The two leaders are expected to discuss various issues, including foreign policy. Biden may encourage Trump to continue supporting Ukraine against Russia, as Trump’s campaign promises on the matter have raised concerns about future U.S. aid to Kyiv. Press Secretary Jean-Pierre declined to provide details on what topics the two men would cover in their discussion.
Wednesday’s meeting was the first time the two had met since their contentious debate in June, where Biden’s perceived poor performance spurred concerns about his age and led to his exit from the 2024 race. Kamala Harris, who stepped in as the Democratic nominee, ran a brief campaign that ultimately ended in her defeat.
