In a historic and cordial Oval Office meeting, President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, political opponents for years, promised a smooth transition of power set for January. Their meeting on Wednesday marked the first time they had come face-to-face since Trump reclaimed the White House last week.
Biden welcomed Trump warmly, expressing commitment to a smooth transition. “We’re looking forward to having, like we said, a smooth transition, do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated,” Biden said.
Trump echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the tough nature of politics yet appreciating Biden’s cooperation, stating, “it is a nice world today, and I appreciate very much a transition that’s so smooth.”
Biden, who defeated Trump in the 2020 election, greeted him alongside First Lady Jill Biden, who presented Trump with a handwritten congratulatory letter for Melania Trump. Biden assured Trump that his team would facilitate a smooth transition.
Trump, set to assume office on January 20, acknowledged Biden’s support for the transfer process, expressing his appreciation for the smooth transition arrangements.
Biden, 81, has portrayed Trump as a threat to democracy, while Trump, 78, has portrayed Biden as incompetent. Trump made false claims of widespread fraud after losing the 2020 election to Biden.
The Oval Office meeting stood in sharp contrast to years of public criticism exchanged by the two leaders.
