In a scene that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, President Trump returned to the White House this morning for a meeting with Joe Biden, following Trump’s decisive win in last week’s presidential election. It was a striking display of political tradition — the outgoing president welcoming his successor — and the symbolism wasn’t lost on anyone watching. The two met privately for nearly two hours in the Oval Office, starting around 9:30 a.m. ET, marking the beginning of a surprisingly cordial transition of power.
The moment Biden greeted Trump was almost surreal. With a broad smile, Biden welcomed the former (and soon-to-be) President back, promising him all the resources necessary for a smooth transition. Gone was the combative rhetoric of the campaign trail, replaced by a sense of ceremony and mutual respect. The fact that Biden extended the invitation in the first place was a nod to tradition, but it was Trump’s acceptance that made headlines, suggesting a commitment to put the country first despite the bitter battles of the past.
President Biden: “Congratulations. Looking forward to a smooth transition…Welcome back.”
President-elect Trump: “Politics is tough and it’s in many cases not a nice world, but it is a nice world today. I appreciate it very much.” pic.twitter.com/OUQLkb12tC
— CSPAN (@cspan) November 13, 2024
After the meeting, Trump gave a phone interview to the New York Post, shedding light on what was discussed behind closed doors. “You know, it’s been a long slog,” Trump said, sounding almost nostalgic. “It’s been a lot of work on both sides, and he did a very good job with respect to campaigning and everything else. We really had a really good meeting.” It’s a far cry from the usual partisan sniping, suggesting that both men might be ready to turn the page — at least temporarily.
Trump revealed that the main topics of their conversation were the transition process and foreign policy. They discussed two of the most pressing global issues: the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the escalating war in the Middle East. Trump, who has repeatedly pledged to end the war in Ukraine upon his return to office, asked Biden for his insights. “I asked for his views, and he gave them to me,” Trump explained. “We talked very much about the Middle East, likewise. I wanted to know his views on where we are and what he thinks. And he gave them to me, he was very gracious.”
The meeting wasn’t just symbolic; it signaled the start of a cooperative handover. Trump noted that his transition team is already working closely with the Biden White House, describing the process as going “very smoothly.” He even mentioned that the two would likely meet again before the January 20 inauguration, with Biden planning to attend the ceremony.
“The Oval Office is so beautiful, and I do certainly look forward to it,” Trump said, his voice almost wistful. It’s clear he’s ready to take the reins again. It was a surprising moment of unity in an otherwise divisive political climate — a reminder that sometimes tradition can bridge even the deepest divides.