President-elect Donald Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden met in the Oval Office on Wednesday, marking the first time they had spoken since Trump reclaimed the White House in last week’s election.
Despite their long-standing rivalry, both leaders expressed commitment to a seamless transition in January, Reuters reports.
As they sat together, Biden extended a warm welcome: “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, set to assume office on 20 January, expressed his appreciation: “Politics is tough, and it’s 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.”
First lady Jill Biden also welcomed Trump, presenting him with a congratulatory letter for Melania Trump.
As reporters were ushered out, the traditional scene belied the deep divisions between the two men and their teams.
Earlier in the day, Trump celebrated his victory with House Republicans, who remain hopeful of retaining control of the chamber. “Isn’t it nice to win? It’s nice to win. It’s always nice to win. The House did very well,” Trump remarked.
Trump had also appointed Elon Musk to a co-lead role in a new Department of Government Efficiency, building on Musk’s contributions to the campaign. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre praised Biden’s commitment to a peaceful handover, noting, “He believes in the norms, he believes in our institution, he believes in the peaceful transfer of power.”
Preparations for the inauguration were underway outside the White House, though some aspects of the transition have stalled.
Trump’s team, according to White House sources, has not yet signed agreements essential for gaining access to office resources and government agencies.
Brian Vance, a Trump spokesperson, stated, “The Trump-Vance transition lawyers continue to constructively engage with the Biden-Harris Administration lawyers regarding all agreements contemplated by the Presidential Transition Act.”
Meetings between Biden and Trump were expected to include discussions on foreign policy, with Biden likely urging continued support for Ukraine. Trump’s commitment to end the war without clarifying his approach has raised questions.