Trump and Biden hold cordial White House meeting

President-elect Donald Trump visited the White House for the first time since winning the 2024 election, meeting with President Joe Biden to begin the transition of power. The meeting, lasting nearly two hours, marked a significant departure from the contentious transfer in 2020 when Trump refused to host Biden.

During their Oval Office meeting beside a roaring fireplace, both leaders struck a cordial tone. Biden pledged a smooth transition and full accommodation for Trump, while Trump expressed appreciation for Biden's graciousness. First Lady Jill Biden presented a congratulatory letter to Trump for Melania Trump, who did not attend the meeting.

"Thank you very much. Politics is tough, and it's in many cases it's not a nice world, but it is a nice world today and I appreciate it very much - a transition that's so smooth it'll be as smooth as it can get, and I very much appreciate that, Joe," Trump said.

The White House described the discussion as "gracious and substantive," covering foreign policy, including Ukraine, national security, and domestic issues. Trump came prepared with questions for Biden, and their teams discussed important legislative priorities for the lame-duck session.

This meeting represents a stark contrast to the aftermath of the 2020 election, when Trump made false fraud claims and skipped Biden's inauguration. Trump's return to the White House comes after his decisive victory in the 2024 election, securing 312 electoral votes to Vice President Kamala Harris's 226, and leading in the popular vote.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that Biden will maintain open communication with the president-elect, emphasizing the commitment to an orderly and peaceful transition of power. The meeting was attended by White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, though Vice President Harris was not present.