Biden and Trump pledge smooth power handover in historic meeting
In a landmark meeting at the White House, President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump emphasised their commitment to a smooth and orderly transfer of power, marking the first official encounter between the two leaders since Trump’s victory in the presidential election.
The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, was characterised by a cordial exchange, a sharp contrast to the tense atmosphere following the 2020 election, as reported by BBC.
In the Oval Office, Biden expressed his eagerness to ensure a seamless transition, saying, "I’m looking forward to having a smooth transition and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you're accommodated." Trump, in turn, thanked Biden, affirming, "I appreciate very much a transition that’s so smooth it’ll be as smooth as it can get."
The two leaders, who shared a brief public moment in front of cameras, also sat by the White House fireplace for a private conversation that lasted nearly two hours. According to the White House, the discussion covered a range of critical topics, including U.S. foreign policy and the logistics surrounding the power handover. Joining the meeting for part of the time were Trump’s incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Biden’s Chief of Staff Jeff Zients.
This meeting has been seen as a crucial step in reaffirming democratic norms. The tradition of cooperation between outgoing and incoming administrations has often been a hallmark of the peaceful transfer of power in the U.S. However, Trump’s refusal to concede defeat in 2020 and his repeated, unfounded claims of election fraud had disrupted this tradition.
The differences between this meeting and the previous transition were notable. In 2020, Trump did not invite Biden to the White House, breaking with established protocol. This time, both leaders appeared keen to maintain the civility of the democratic process. While Trump refrained from echoing any fraudulent claims during the meeting, he had continued to assert his scepticism of the 2020 results throughout his recent campaign.
In a notable departure from tradition, Trump’s wife, Melania, did not accompany him to the White House. Typically, the First Ladies engage in a private tea meeting while their husbands discuss official matters. Instead, First Lady Jill Biden welcomed Trump alone, and handed him a handwritten letter addressed to Melania Trump, expressing her team's readiness to assist with the transition.
The meeting came amidst a shifting political landscape, as Republicans gained control of the U.S. House of Representatives, further solidifying Trump’s support in both chambers of Congress. On the same day, Senate Republicans elected South Dakota Senator John Thune as their new majority leader, after two rounds of voting.
As the inauguration day approaches on January 20, Trump is focusing on appointing key members of his administration. Among the most recent appointments are Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk in a role focused on cost-cutting within the administration.
With approximately 4,000 political appointments expected to be made before Trump’s swearing-in, the incoming president faces the significant challenge of assembling a new government. The process of selecting key officials is expected to take several months.
The meeting, marked by its professionalism and commitment to a smooth transition, sets the tone for the future of U.S. politics. As both leaders turn their attention to the coming months, the strength of American democratic institutions, as demonstrated by this peaceful exchange, remains a source of confidence for both the domestic and international community.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
