Biden and Trump Hold Historic White House Meeting for Smooth Transition of Power

On November 13, 2024, President Joe Biden hosted President-elect Donald Trump at the White House for a nearly two-hour meeting aimed at facilitating a smooth transition of power following Trump’s election victory. The meeting was a key part of the process to ensure an orderly handover of the presidency.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described the gathering as “substantive,” noting that the two leaders discussed critical issues such as national security, domestic policy, and legislative priorities facing Congress. At the outset of the meeting, reporters were briefly allowed to witness the two leaders shaking hands, signaling the start of their discussions.

Biden, who spoke first, welcomed Trump back to the White House and expressed his commitment to ensuring a seamless transition. “Well, Mr. President-elect and former President, Donald, congratulations,” Biden said, adding, “Looking forward to having a smooth transition. Our team will make sure we accommodate your needs.”

Trump, in turn, acknowledged the challenges of politics, but expressed appreciation for the cordial and cooperative tone of the meeting. “Politics is tough, and it’s not always a pleasant world, but today it is, and I truly appreciate the smoothness of this transition,” Trump remarked, emphasizing that the process would be as smooth as possible under the circumstances.

Their brief exchange marked a rare moment of civility between the two, especially considering their contentious relationship during the election campaign. The last time they met face-to-face was during the 2024 presidential debate on June 27, a pivotal moment that some saw as contributing to Biden’s eventual loss of the candidacy.

While the political world often sees heated battles and harsh rhetoric, this meeting between Biden and Trump stood out for its professionalism and focus on ensuring that the transfer of power would proceed without disruption. Both men expressed their hopes for a smooth transition, signaling that, despite their differences, the country’s stability remained a shared priority.