President-elect Donald Trump met with President Joe Biden in a historic visit to the White House after his election victory over Kamala Harris. Biden (81 years old) welcomed Trump’s return to the Oval Office, and warmly congratulated him, saying: “Welcome back,” while they were preparing for the transition talks.
The two leaders, sitting in front of a blazing fire, shared a friendly moment, each using first names and shaking hands. Trump, who wore a red tie, and Biden, who wore a maroon tie, were surrounded by portraits of former presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Vice President Kamala Harris, who was defeated by Trump, was not present.
Biden congratulated Trump on his decisive victory, as Trump expressed his appreciation for Biden’s efforts in a smooth transition. “Politics is hard,” Trump said. “In many cases, this is not a beautiful world, but it is a beautiful world today.” Biden responded with assurances of a smooth handover of power.
First Lady Jill Biden joined President Biden in welcoming Trump to the White House, presenting him with a handwritten letter to Melania Trump, expressing her willingness to help with the transition.