Image Credit: X account @POTUS
Biden Welcomes Trump Back to White House, Emphasizes Smooth Transition
In a notable display of civility, President Joe Biden welcomed President-elect Donald Trump back to the White House on Wednesday, marking a peaceful start to the transition process after a highly polarized election.
The exchange between Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, came as a stark contrast to Trump’s handling of the 2020 transition, when he refused to recognize his defeat.
Biden Offers “Smooth Transition” to President-Elect Trump
Greeting Trump in the Oval Office with a handshake, Biden began with a simple “Welcome back” and congratulated Trump on his recent electoral victory. Despite their contentious history, Biden emphasized his commitment to a seamless transfer of power, adding, “We’re looking forward to a smooth transition” and pledging full cooperation to ensure that Trump and his team are well-accommodated.
The meeting symbolized a mutual, albeit guarded, commitment to upholding the democratic process. With a combined age of 159 years, both leaders appeared composed, with Biden extending his hand and looking down as Trump met his gaze directly.
Trump Promises a “Smooth” Power Transfer
Trump, who has faced criticism for his past resistance to peaceful transitions, acknowledged the significance of this moment, expressing gratitude for Biden’s warm reception. “Politics is tough, and in many cases, it’s not a very nice world,” Trump remarked. “It is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much.” He affirmed that the handover would be as “smooth as you can get,” despite his team not yet completing some critical paperwork in preparation for his January 20 inauguration.
This meeting serves as a hopeful indicator of civility amid political divisions, signaling both leaders’ recognition of the importance of a respectful transition.
